If they play like they did today, they can beat any team in the NHL.
- PLindbergh31

The Islanders aren't anything special. Not getting caught up in the hype.

Throw in Meszaros and this blueline looks pretty darn good compared to some of the projected lineup a couple days ago.
- BulliesPhan87

If Meszaros can stay healthy. Unfortunately, that is an IF the size of the Grand Canyon.

Everyone was great today. Hopefully it's a performance they can build off. I believe if they can beat the Pens Wed night it could be a turning point in the season.
- PLindbergh31

I would expect them to be ready to go against the Pens. It is a big game vs. a rival. The have tomorrow off. They know that a win puts them at .500 for the road trip and they have some home cooking coming up. It is the damn Penguins. They should be up for it. If they can get going early, play 60 minutes of A game hockey, and get production out of guys like G, Briere, B. Schenn, and Couturier they stand a decent chance. Pitts D is a bit banged up right now too if I recall. Would be nice if Harts can play as he always brings the heavy duty lunch pail (and yapper) for the Pens games. Guess we'll see Wed. If they can notch a win and get Harts and Mezaros back from IR they could come on strong down the stretch drive.

The Islanders aren't anything special. Not getting caught up in the hype.
- stveshdy

They aren't great, but they are improving. And they were coming off wins vs. the Rangers and Devils. I think today was a good sign. No reason to go crazy, but it's something they can build on.

Throw in Meszaros and this blueline looks pretty darn good compared to some of the projected lineup a couple days ago.
- BulliesPhan87

Don't realize how much better this blueline is with Gustafsson as a third pairing player. He may not be a savior but he's much better than the other players that were playing in that spot.

I would expect them to be ready to go against the Pens. It is a big game vs. a rival. The have tomorrow off. They know that a win puts them at .500 for the road trip and they have some home cooking coming up. It is the damn Penguins. They should be up for it. If they can get going early, play 60 minutes of A game hockey, and get production out of guys like G, Briere, B. Schenn, and Couturier they stand a decent chance. Pitts D is a bit banged up right now too if I recall. Would be nice if Harts can play as he always brings the heavy duty lunch pail (and yapper) for the Pens games. Guess we'll see Wed. If they can notch a win and get Harts and Mezaros back from IR they could come on strong down the stretch drive.
- Lexington Flyer

Agreed!

ESPN Stats & Info ‏@ESPNStatsInfo
The Islander loss to the Flyers 7-0 at home was their worse shutout out home loss at Nassau ever.
- PLindbergh31

that's nice and all, but i'd trade a win on may 24, 1980 over this any day. btw, was nabby in for all 7?

They aren't great, but they are improving. And they were coming off wins vs. the Rangers and Devils. I think today was a good sign. No reason to go crazy, but it's something they can build on.
- PLindbergh31

Will see what the Flyers have on Wednesday. That will give me a better idea of what kind of team we have.

If they play like they did today, they can beat any team in the NHL.
- PLindbergh31

Bryz has given them a chance in nearly every game.
Big difference maker to get solid goaltending.

Will see what the Flyers have on Wednesday. That will give me a better idea of what kind of team we have.
- stveshdy

Yep.

Well he's not going to play with Timonen. And comparing him to Timonen is an exaggeration. He's likely a 3rd pair defenseman in this League.
- MJL

I know he's not going to be paired with kimmo but kimmo can mentor him. On the bench practice road trips days off. That's what I meant

Bryz has given them a chance in nearly every game.
Big difference maker to get solid goaltending.
- Marc D

he's been as good as anyone can hope for. A little off his game in NJ, otherwise very good.

that's nice and all, but i'd trade a win on may 24, 1980 over this any day. btw, was nabby in for all 7?
- hammarby31

Yup, he was. (frank) Bobby Nystrom.

that's the worst goaltending. i always that it was a Czechoslovakian play, etc., but i must just have them mixed up in my head about that whole scene.
- wilsonecho91

poor mike liut. that backhander from the left circle? talk about not showing up - the team in front of him..eeeesh.

and yeah...my mind always goes to the Czech guy with his arms in the air when i think of that "oh, and it's 8 to ooooooooone!" even though i know it's the 81 Canada Cup final. i don't know why.

I know he's not going to be paired with kimmo but kimmo can mentor him. On the bench practice road trips days off. That's what I meant
- SMS4016

I hear what your saying. Gustafsson can be a solid player for this team. He's young and defenseman take time to fully develop. Maybe his potential isn't set high or he doesn't have all the tools but potential guarantees nothing and your heart, hard work, and determination can't be measured.

If Meszaros can stay healthy. Unfortunately, that is an IF the size of the Grand Canyon.
- PLindbergh31

Not to say I don't share the hesitation, but I think he seems more injury prone than he is. Multiple unrelated injuries have really sank him, I really hope he finds a run of luck.

Yup, he was. (frank) Bobby Nystrom.
- PLindbergh31

forget him. (frank) the officials. they robbed the flyers of 2 goals that day. they walk out of their with a win, there's no way they lose on home ice in game 7. not happening.

anyway....glad the flyers can be on the positive side of the ledger with this minor historical detail.

Not to say I don't share the hesitation, but I think he seems more injury prone than he is. Multiple unrelated injuries have really sank him, I really hope he finds a run of luck.
- BulliesPhan87

Wait until Pronger comes back.

I hear what your saying. Gustafsson can be a solid player for this team. He's young and defenseman take time to fully develop. Maybe his potential isn't set high or he doesn't have all the tools but potential guarantees nothing and your heart, hard work, and determination can't be measured.
- stveshdy

I dont really want to put too much hope in the guy.

I thought Kuks and Vaananen would become solid d-men here.

Don't realize how much better this blueline is with Gustafsson as a third pairing player. He may not be a savior but he's much better than the other players that were playing in that spot.
- stveshdy

Yeah, I'll definitely take Gustafsson, Timonen (who seemed destined for the IR at the time), and Meszaros over Lilja, Gervais, and Foster.

Wait until Pronger comes back.
- stveshdy

I'll hold my breath on that one

Yes flyers had lots of jump and ny didn't show up but Philly absolutely played differently. Theres a huge difference between looking to push the puck right away and making sure you stay back to defend. Today they looked to push it against nj they looked to defend. Maybe it's just a matter of finding a happy medium during the game is what they need? Like during the Boston series when they came back from 3 down.
- SMS4016

You're confusing playing well and executing, versus a system or strategy change. You mean to tell me that in the NJ game they wanted to defend, that's why they didn't score. And in this game they wanted to push the puck, and that's why they scored? Hockey doesn't work that way.

Not to say I don't share the hesitation, but I think he seems more injury prone than he is. Multiple unrelated injuries have really sank him, I really hope he finds a run of luck.
- BulliesPhan87

Has been some freaky type injuries. I hope he isn't made of glass. Only way to prove otherwise is to stay on the ice.

Will see what the Flyers have on Wednesday. That will give me a better idea of what kind of team we have.
- stveshdy

I think they have no trouble getting up for games against the Pens.
It's the losses to the Caps and getting blown out in Montreal that are tough.
Growing pains I guess.

forget him. (frank) the officials. they robbed the flyers of 2 goals that day. they walk out of their with a win, there's no way they lose on home ice in game 7. not happening.

anyway....glad the flyers can be on the positive side of the ledger with this minor historical detail.
- hammarby31

Play looked like offsides. Hard to call in real time though.