Tough game to be at. Lot's of Isles fans in the stands, but back to backs is not easy. You could tell early they did not have that jump that has made them difficult to play against, and Johnson was just BAD. We must return the favor this week since Tampa plays the night before playing us. John Tavares looks scary lost and is playing completely out of character. He needs to find his game and start leading again.

Tavares is coming off a major injury. I think it's a little nuts he's just expected to have the same explosiveness he had pre-injury right away. If he still looks out of sorts in another month or so then I'll start worrying.

Not looking good
- Cptmjl

from tsn
"Back-to-back nights, I thought we were all right," Islanders coach Jack Capuano said. "It wasn't a bad game for us. It wasn't a great game."

hey....win some lose some, right? No biggie.

from tsn
"Back-to-back nights, I thought we were all right," Islanders coach Jack Capuano said. "It wasn't a bad game for us. It wasn't a great game."

hey....win some lose some, right? No biggie.
- jmo16

Capuano just needs to stop talking.

from tsn
"Back-to-back nights, I thought we were all right," Islanders coach Jack Capuano said. "It wasn't a bad game for us. It wasn't a great game."

hey....win some lose some, right? No biggie.
- jmo16

He is right, but you just don't want to here that from your coach

He is right, but you just don't want to here that from your coach
- Dan Petriw

Meh. I dont think he's right. I thought we played a pretty bad game and every team has to play back to backs. What will he say if tampa comes in and shalacks us on tuesday after playing the rangers the night before? I didnt even think Tampa played a good game we were just that much worse.

I don't know...playing Tampa in the second game of a back-to-back and getting shaky goaltending to boot...I think it's tough to expect a win there. They'd have needed to score a bucketload of goals to win, skating 60 minutes with a very fast and skilled team. Not the end of the world to drop that game.

I don't know...playing Tampa in the second game of a back-to-back and getting shaky goaltending to boot...I think it's tough to expect a win there. They'd have needed to score a bucketload of goals to win, skating 60 minutes with a very fast and skilled team. Not the end of the world to drop that game.
- UIF

Nope. Not at all but im not going to say they played ok when they didnt.

Nope. Not at all but im not going to say they played ok when they didnt.
- Cptmjl

Goes to the psychology of coaching. I remember Al Arbour used to avoid criticizing the team too much when they lost. He knew he had a very competitive group who took losing hard anyway, so why pile on. Arbour was much more critical of the team after victories.

Goes to the psychology of coaching. I remember Al Arbour used to avoid criticizing the team too much when they lost. He knew he had a very competitive group who took losing hard anyway, so why pile on. Arbour was much more critical of the team after victories.
- JohnScammo

Not the best comparison and not accurate imo. Arbour would never say they played a good game when they so obviously didnt. You wouldn't hear arbour say he thought they played a good game after they lost 5-0. Irregardless, this team from the third on in sunrise played the same way they did through Tampa. Step behind and couldnt connect on passes. Hopefully they snap out of it.

Bad comparison and not accurate. Arbour would never say they played a good game when they so obviously didnt. You wouldn't hear arbour say he thought they played a good game after they lost 5-0. Irregardless, this team from the third on in sunrise played the same way they did through Tampa. Hopefully they snap out of it.
- Cptmjl

I wasn't suggesting that Arbour would have said they played well in this instance, only that he wouldn't necessarily have said they played like crap, even if they did. He knew which players needed a pat on the back and which players needed a kick in the ass. So he might call out a particular player for a bad play, whereas another player might go uncriticized. He had no problem calling out a guy like Potvin for poor play, because he knew he was a confident player who needed the occasional kick in the butt. Another guy who played poorly might not get mentioned.

I do accept that the comparison wasn't great. There was so much talent on those teams that rarely did they all play lousy in the same game.

I actually think that one of Cappy's strong points is recognizing that his relatively young team doesn't benefit from public criticism. I would hate to see a guy like a Torts or a Keenan coach the team. My problem with Cappy is more the x's and o's.

I wasn't suggesting that Arbour would have said they played well in this instance, only that he wouldn't necessarily have said they played like crap, even if they did. He knew which players needed a pat on the back and which players needed a kick in the ass. So he might call out a particular player for a bad play, whereas another player might go uncriticized. He had no problem calling out a guy like Potvin for poor play, because he knew he was a confident player who needed the occasional kick in the butt. Another guy who played poorly might not get mentioned.

I do accept that the comparison wasn't great. There was so much talent on those teams that rarely did they all play lousy in the same game.

I actually think that one of Cappy's strong points is recognizing that his relatively young team doesn't benefit from public criticism. I would hate to see a guy like a Torts or a Keenan coach the team. My problem with Cappy is more the x's and o's.
- JohnScammo

Difference of opinion I guess. Id rather have a more Keenan like approach with this team. With that said they've been playing well. Every team has an off night. If they play like this tuesday id have more of an issue with it.

Difference of opinion I guess. Id rather have a more Keenan like approach with this team. With that said they've been playing well. Every team has an off night. If they play like this tuesday id have more of an issue with it.
- Cptmjl

Yeah, part of me wants to see Cappy get a little tougher on certain guys. I still remember that comment by - I think it was Roloson - that referred to the country club atmosphere in the locker room.

Yet I have a funny sense about our captain, JT, that he is one of those guys who can be a little fragile. When his game is off (like now), he seems really down on himself. From everything I've read JT works really hard all 12 months of the year to be the best player possible. That approach served him well throughout his junior career. When the results aren't always there in the NHL, he gets frustrated. He doesn't need a coach berating him or the team in the media.

Yeah, part of me wants to see Cappy get a little tougher on certain guys. I still remember that comment by - I think it was Roloson - that referred to the country club atmosphere in the locker room.

Yet I have a funny sense about our captain, JT, that he is one of those guys who can be a little fragile. When his game is off (like now), he seems really down on himself. From everything I've read JT works really hard all 12 months of the year to be the best player possible. That approach served him well throughout his junior career. When the results aren't always there in the NHL, he gets frustrated. He doesn't need a coach berating him or the team in the media.
- JohnScammo

Im not saying im ok with a coach berating players in the media. My problem is saying they played a good game when they played like dog shat. Either he thinks that play is OK or he thinks we are all idiots OR hes blatantly insulting our intelligence none of which im ok with. Im not using last nights game as much of a reference as past ones (Colorado for example) though id have a hard time as a coach saying they played ok last night.
By "Keenan approach" I mean more of a demanding the best from the players kind of approach. Not neccesarily calling them out publicly.

Meh. I dont think he's right. I thought we played a pretty bad game and every team has to play back to backs. What will he say if tampa comes in and shalacks us on tuesday after playing the rangers the night before? I didnt even think Tampa played a good game we were just that much worse.
- Cptmjl

They weren't awful for the whole game.. But by no means am I saying they were good. The record of NHL teams playing the second leg of back to backs against a rested team is astonishing

They weren't awful for the whole game.. But by no means am I saying they were good. The record of NHL teams playing the second leg of back to backs against a rested team is astonishing
- Dan Petriw

Agreed. They werent awful. They just seemed to be not into it. Just like they were from the end of the second on against the panthers. As a coach I wouldnt be blasting them but certainly wouldnt be complacent either. Im over critiquing I know but Capuano gives the idea to fans that losing is OK. Says they played good when they didnt. As a fan im not comfortable with that.

They have seemed to respond reasonably well after losses where they get out played so hopefully Tuesday we can get the two points. Halak will be back in goal and I feel a lot better with him in net.

They weren't awful for the whole game.. But by no means am I saying they were good. The record of NHL teams playing the second leg of back to backs against a rested team is astonishing
- Dan Petriw

Excellent point. I've seen that stat and it's not pretty. I know we all say that they shouldn't use that excuse, but the record doesn't lie.

On Tuesday the tables will be turned and the rested Islanders will be playing Tampa who will have just played an emotional (at least for 3 players) game against the Rags. If the Isles start another winning streak, this game will quickly be forgotten........except for the awful goaltending.

Excellent point. I've seen that stat and it's not pretty. I know we all say that they shouldn't use that excuse, but the record doesn't lie.

On Tuesday the tables will be turned and the rested Islanders will be playing Tampa who will have just played an emotional (at least for 3 players) game against the Rags. If the Isles start another winning streak, this game will quickly be forgotten........except for the awful goaltending.
- JohnScammo

He was disappointing. Hopefully he has a good bounce back game over the weekend. We are going to need him to play pretty spectacular in one of the next few games.

Yeah, part of me wants to see Cappy get a little tougher on certain guys. I still remember that comment by - I think it was Roloson - that referred to the country club atmosphere in the locker room.

Yet I have a funny sense about our captain, JT, that he is one of those guys who can be a little fragile. When his game is off (like now), he seems really down on himself. From everything I've read JT works really hard all 12 months of the year to be the best player possible. That approach served him well throughout his junior career. When the results aren't always there in the NHL, he gets frustrated. He doesn't need a coach berating him or the team in the media.
- JohnScammo

He's tied for 15th in scoring, and has 15 points in 16 games. The fact that he's considered "off" his game is an absolute blessing for this team and it's fans to be honest. I still don't disagree he's not been the usual JT we all watch.

Excellent point. I've seen that stat and it's not pretty. I know we all say that they shouldn't use that excuse, but the record doesn't lie.
- JohnScammo

What is the record by the way?

Looks like it was an eventful end to Bridgeport's game today...

Penalties
1 - BRI Mouillierat, 8:25 - Hooking, 2 min (PP)
1 - SPR Ponich, 16:19 - Fighting, 5 min
1 - BRI Gallant, 16:19 - Fighting, 5 min
2 - SPR McCarthy, 1:44 - Hooking, 2 min (PP)
2 - BRI Zolnierczyk, 4:15 - Slashing, 2 min (PP)
2 - SPR Tynan, 4:34 - Unsportsmanlike conduct, 2 min (PP)
2 - SPR Madaisky, 5:10 - Slashing, 2 min (PP)
2 - BRI Sundstrom, 9:09 - Slashing, 2 min (PP)
2 - SPR Sifers, 18:22 - Slashing, 2 min (PP)
3 - SPR Sedlak, 0:27 - Hooking, 2 min (PP)
3 - SPR D'Amigo, 2:47 - High-sticking, 2 min (PP)
3 - SPR McCarthy, 9:52 - Cross-checking, 2 min (PP)
3 - BRI Gillies, 16:40 - Checking to the head, (48.2) 2 min (PP)
3 - BRI Sundstrom, 17:43 - High-sticking, 2 min (PP)
3 - SPR Anderson, 19:25 - Roughing, 2 min
3 - SPR Anderson, 19:25 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - BRI Mouillierat, 19:25 - Slashing, 2 min
3 - BRI Mouillierat, 19:25 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - SPR Craig, 19:45 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - SPR Craig, 19:45 - Game misconduct - Secondary altercation, (46.7) 10 min
3 - SPR Larkin, 19:45 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - SPR Ponich, 19:45 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - SPR Ponich, 19:45 - Game misconduct - Secondary altercation, (46.7) 10 min
3 - SPR Sifers, 19:45 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - SPR Sifers, 19:45 - Game misconduct - Secondary altercation, (46.7) 10 min
3 - SPR Vogelhuber, 19:45 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - SPR Vogelhuber, 19:45 - Game misconduct - Secondary altercation, (46.7) 10 min
3 - BRI Courtnall, 19:45 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - BRI Courtnall, 19:45 - Game misconduct - Secondary altercation, (46.7) 10 min
3 - BRI Gallant, 19:45 - Cross-checking, 2 min (PP)
3 - BRI Gallant, 19:45 - Instigating, 2 min
3 - BRI Gallant, 19:45 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - BRI Gallant, 19:45 - Game misconduct - Instigator (last 5:00), (46.12) 10 min
3 - BRI Gallant, 19:45 - Game misconduct - Third major/second fight, (20.4) 10 min
3 - BRI Mayfield, 19:45 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - BRI Mayfield, 19:45 - Game misconduct - Secondary altercation, (46.7) 10 min
3 - BRI Pedan, 19:45 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - BRI Pedan, 19:45 - Game misconduct - Secondary altercation, (46.7) 10 min
3 - BRI Vaughan, 19:45 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - BRI Vaughan, 19:45 - Game misconduct - Secondary altercation, (46.7) 10 min
3 - SPR D'Amigo, 19:52 - Roughing, 2 min
3 - BRI Halmo, 19:52 - Roughing, 2 min

What is the record by the way?
- Dedshark

Sorry, I don't remember where I read it. I think the rested team won the game like 3 or 4 times more often than the team playing the 2nd half of back to back games. I think the stats were for last season (?). If I run into the stats again, I'll post a link.

Looks like it was an eventful end to Bridgeport's game today...

Penalties
1 - BRI Mouillierat, 8:25 - Hooking, 2 min (PP)
1 - SPR Ponich, 16:19 - Fighting, 5 min
1 - BRI Gallant, 16:19 - Fighting, 5 min
2 - SPR McCarthy, 1:44 - Hooking, 2 min (PP)
2 - BRI Zolnierczyk, 4:15 - Slashing, 2 min (PP)
2 - SPR Tynan, 4:34 - Unsportsmanlike conduct, 2 min (PP)
2 - SPR Madaisky, 5:10 - Slashing, 2 min (PP)
2 - BRI Sundstrom, 9:09 - Slashing, 2 min (PP)
2 - SPR Sifers, 18:22 - Slashing, 2 min (PP)
3 - SPR Sedlak, 0:27 - Hooking, 2 min (PP)
3 - SPR D'Amigo, 2:47 - High-sticking, 2 min (PP)
3 - SPR McCarthy, 9:52 - Cross-checking, 2 min (PP)
3 - BRI Gillies, 16:40 - Checking to the head, (48.2) 2 min (PP)
3 - BRI Sundstrom, 17:43 - High-sticking, 2 min (PP)
3 - SPR Anderson, 19:25 - Roughing, 2 min
3 - SPR Anderson, 19:25 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - BRI Mouillierat, 19:25 - Slashing, 2 min
3 - BRI Mouillierat, 19:25 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - SPR Craig, 19:45 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - SPR Craig, 19:45 - Game misconduct - Secondary altercation, (46.7) 10 min
3 - SPR Larkin, 19:45 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - SPR Ponich, 19:45 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - SPR Ponich, 19:45 - Game misconduct - Secondary altercation, (46.7) 10 min
3 - SPR Sifers, 19:45 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - SPR Sifers, 19:45 - Game misconduct - Secondary altercation, (46.7) 10 min
3 - SPR Vogelhuber, 19:45 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - SPR Vogelhuber, 19:45 - Game misconduct - Secondary altercation, (46.7) 10 min
3 - BRI Courtnall, 19:45 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - BRI Courtnall, 19:45 - Game misconduct - Secondary altercation, (46.7) 10 min
3 - BRI Gallant, 19:45 - Cross-checking, 2 min (PP)
3 - BRI Gallant, 19:45 - Instigating, 2 min
3 - BRI Gallant, 19:45 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - BRI Gallant, 19:45 - Game misconduct - Instigator (last 5:00), (46.12) 10 min
3 - BRI Gallant, 19:45 - Game misconduct - Third major/second fight, (20.4) 10 min
3 - BRI Mayfield, 19:45 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - BRI Mayfield, 19:45 - Game misconduct - Secondary altercation, (46.7) 10 min
3 - BRI Pedan, 19:45 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - BRI Pedan, 19:45 - Game misconduct - Secondary altercation, (46.7) 10 min
3 - BRI Vaughan, 19:45 - Fighting, 5 min
3 - BRI Vaughan, 19:45 - Game misconduct - Secondary altercation, (46.7) 10 min
3 - SPR D'Amigo, 19:52 - Roughing, 2 min
3 - BRI Halmo, 19:52 - Roughing, 2 min
- UIF

Now that's an old-fashioned hockey game!

What is the record by the way?
- Dedshark

Its something like 35-10-10