I hope so and appreciate the optimism. Need a more complete game imo. Too many lapses. FYI BC smoking MI 4-0 in espn 2.
- streaks

B.c is a machine but they will play Denver in finals. B.c is stacked I think they win it all Leonard and Gauthier are insanely good and Leonard's line is unreal

I hope so and appreciate the optimism. Need a more complete game imo. Too many lapses. FYI BC smoking MI 4-0 in espn 2.
- streaks

Yeah today was a game against a bottom feeder and they had nothing to lose. The Habs played well and their goalie was very good. Isles weren’t their sharpest but won.
I think they will be ready for The Rags and I’m looking for a monster game from sOrOkin Streaks.

Roy confirmed Martin is ok and Dobson has an “upper-body injury.”

We haven't played a lot of pretty hockey during this streak. We beat some bad teams and then won ugly in a few. Perhaps the one thing to feel good about is, we're finding ways to win those ugly games whereas before it seemed like we found ways to lose games.
- keaner17

Agreed. They still gotta find a level above and beyond what they've done recently.

Agreed. They still gotta find a level above and beyond what they've done recently.
- UIF

If Dobson is out for any extended period of time it won’t matter what level they are playing at.

If Dobson is out for any extended period of time it won’t matter what level they are playing at.
- Cptmjl

I made the mistake of typing "Dobson" into the Twitter search bar to see if there's an update, and the results are just an endless string of deranged Rangers fans demanding that he fight Rempe

Maybe I'm the only one who'd say this, but I don't think the Isles live or die by Dobson. I'm not saying they couldn't use him, or that he wouldn't be missed; just that I think their chances depend a lot more on everyone showing up. If Dobson has the game of his life but the rest of the team plays like it did on the six-game losing streak, they're finished. If Dobson lays an egg, but the team has its forecheck, physicality, and goaltending going, they still have every chance to win.

Nostradamus, do you foresee a shut-out by Sorokin?
- JohnScammo

Sure feels like the Rangers are going to kick the Islanders Richards in on Saturday.

With Dobson potentially (feels likely at this point) missing, the Rangers pissed off about Tuesday, losers of two in a row, Carolina gaining a little ground on them, and the fact that the Isles absolutely stink in afternoon games...I don't have a great feeling.

I made the mistake of typing "Dobson" into the Twitter search bar to see if there's an update, and the results are just an endless string of deranged Rangers fans demanding that he fight Rempe

Maybe I'm the only one who'd say this, but I don't think the Isles live or die by Dobson. I'm not saying they couldn't use him, or that he wouldn't be missed; just that I think their chances depend a lot more on everyone showing up. If Dobson has the game of his life but the rest of the team plays like it did on the six-game losing streak, they're finished. If Dobson lays an egg, but the team has its forecheck, physicality, and goaltending going, they still have every chance to win.
- UIF

I disagree. Their PK is atrocious. Their one special team that’s decent is their PP. Without Dobson that’s non existent. That’s without even factoring in his 5/5 contributions.

Sure feels like the Rangers are going to kick the Islanders Richards in on Saturday.

With Dobson potentially (feels likely at this point) missing, the Rangers pissed off about Tuesday, losers of two in a row, Carolina gaining a little ground on them, and the fact that the Isles absolutely stink in afternoon games...I don't have a great feeling.
- eichiefs9

I think that’s why Roy is starting Sorokin. He agrees with you. 😂

I mean for the most part we were doomed with Dobson to some let alone without him.
Gutsy win last night. Gotta keep it up. You get in the POs and beat the Rags or Canes and you get on a roll, who knows what happens.
Let’s go Islanders!

Sure feels like the Rangers are going to kick the Islanders Richards in on Saturday.

With Dobson potentially (feels likely at this point) missing, the Rangers pissed off about Tuesday, losers of two in a row, Carolina gaining a little ground on them, and the fact that the Isles absolutely stink in afternoon games...I don't have a great feeling.
- eichiefs9

Yeah...on the other hand, if the Isles, in a game that's huge for them, can't hang with the Rangers when the Rangers are at their best, then what's the point of even getting into the playoffs? If they make it, they'd either have to play the Rangers at that same intensity level, or Carolina, who's every bit as good. So, I agree it doesn't look good for the Isles tomorrow, but it's also probably the best test there is to see if they even belong in this race.

Yeah...on the other hand, if the Isles, in a game that's huge for them, can't hang with the Rangers when the Rangers are at their best, then what's the point of even getting into the playoffs? If they make it, they'd either have to play the Rangers at that same intensity level, or Carolina, who's every bit as good. So, I agree it doesn't look good for the Isles tomorrow, but it's also probably the best test there is to see if they even belong in this race.
- UIF

Yea hopefully Sorokin steps up big and they can surprise everyone. They're in a position now where they control their own destiny by winning out and locking up the third spot. Everyone except the Flyers has 3 games left, with the Penguins 3pts back and everyone else 4pts back. I think four total points for the Isles would likely get it done.

As far as remaining schedules:

We know the Isles

PIT: BOS, NSH, NYI
WSH: TBL, BOS, PHI
DET: TOR, MTLx2

Pens and Caps have real tough schedules ahead. DET, I guess, has the "easiest" but MTL clearly isn't just rolling over despite being eliminated

Yea hopefully Sorokin steps up big and they can surprise everyone. They're in a position now where they control their own destiny by winning out and locking up the third spot. Everyone except the Flyers has 3 games left, with the Penguins 3pts back and everyone else 4pts back. I think four total points for the Isles would likely get it done.

As far as remaining schedules:

We know the Isles

PIT: BOS, NSH, NYI
WSH: TBL, BOS, PHI
DET: TOR, MTLx2

Pens and Caps have real tough schedules ahead. DET, I guess, has the "easiest" but MTL clearly isn't just rolling over despite being eliminated
- eichiefs9

I like that at least whichever teams get in will have to earn it with a tough end to the schedule...mostly because I'm not sure any of them have really played like playoff teams for most of the season.

Yea hopefully Sorokin steps up big and they can surprise everyone. They're in a position now where they control their own destiny by winning out and locking up the third spot. Everyone except the Flyers has 3 games left, with the Penguins 3pts back and everyone else 4pts back. I think four total points for the Isles would likely get it done.

As far as remaining schedules:

We know the Isles

PIT: BOS, NSH, NYI
WSH: TBL, BOS, PHI
DET: TOR, MTLx2

Pens and Caps have real tough schedules ahead. DET, I guess, has the "easiest" but MTL clearly isn't just rolling over despite being eliminated
- eichiefs9

Cheering hard for Tampa and Toronto Saturday. If they win, we only need one regulation tie to get in. (I know, I already said that).

I disagree. Their PK is atrocious. Their one special team that’s decent is their PP. Without Dobson that’s non existent. That’s without even factoring in his 5/5 contributions.
- Cptmjl

Honestly, our PP wasn't lighting it up with Dobber either. I think we're ranked 20th. Since Feb 1, we're ranked 30th.....so our PP with or without Dobson sux. Dobson's a seriously talented offensive dman, but he still commits a TON of really bad high-risk turnovers in all three zones. While they may miss his puck moving ability, I think they can perhaps play a more careful possession game in his absence.

Honestly, our PP wasn't lighting it up with Dobber either. I think we're ranked 20th. Since Feb 1, we're ranked 30th.....so our PP with or without Dobson sux. Dobson's a seriously talented offensive dman, but he still commits a TON of really bad high-risk turnovers in all three zones. While they may miss his puck moving ability, I think they can perhaps play a more careful possession game in his absence.
- keaner17

Haven’t been paying attention to where we were ranked thought we were more middle of the road on the PP. I do agree he is lacking defensively but I think the team will miss his puck moving ability a lot more then some of you guys are thinking. Kind of is what it is anyway but I think we’re a better team with him in the lineup. That means a lot when you really aren’t the best team to begin with imo.

Haven’t been paying attention to where we were ranked thought we were more middle of the road on the PP. I do agree he is lacking defensively but I think the team will miss his puck moving ability a lot more then some of you guys are thinking. Kind of is what it is anyway but I think we’re a better team with him in the lineup. That means a lot when you really aren’t the best team to begin with imo.
- Cptmjl

He's garbage!

No, I do think they'll miss him and obviously they are a better team with him, which I think I said before. I just don't think they're automatically finished without him. It's a tougher road, sure. But we've seen two different Islanders teams; not just this year but even back when they made those conference finals runs: There's the team that tries to push the pace, and pays enough attention to details so that when they can't do that they can at least hold down the fort while the opponent's pushing; and there's the team that skates into each other, turns the puck over constantly, and looks like it'll never stop chasing the play.

That's been true with or without Dobson...or for that matter with or without Barzal, or Horvat, or Pelech, or whoever. Which one of those teams shows up is more important to the outcome of a given game, I think, than who's dressed for it. And, for the life of me, I can't figure out why there's such a difference with this team...are they playing way over their heads when they look good, or are they slacking that much when they look bad? Lately I've been leaning toward the former; Lou clearly believes the latter.

Haven’t been paying attention to where we were ranked thought we were more middle of the road on the PP. I do agree he is lacking defensively but I think the team will miss his puck moving ability a lot more then some of you guys are thinking. Kind of is what it is anyway but I think we’re a better team with him in the lineup. That means a lot when you really aren’t the best team to begin with imo.
- Cptmjl

Oh trust me, I think we'll miss that aspect plenty, especially since it will be Aho who is asked to fill that role. Even in victory, Aho was not good last night. The idea of giving him an important role like PP QB is downright scary. I guess technically Barzal is the QB but I'd probably give Dobber's role to Reilly and consider either a fourth forward or Pulock on the other side (he's got to hit the net eventually).

Yea hopefully Sorokin steps up big and they can surprise everyone. They're in a position now where they control their own destiny by winning out and locking up the third spot. Everyone except the Flyers has 3 games left, with the Penguins 3pts back and everyone else 4pts back. I think four total points for the Isles would likely get it done.

As far as remaining schedules:

We know the Isles

PIT: BOS, NSH, NYI
WSH: TBL, BOS, PHI
DET: TOR, MTLx2

Pens and Caps have real tough schedules ahead. DET, I guess, has the "easiest" but MTL clearly isn't just rolling over despite being eliminated
- eichiefs9

1 1 1 gets them in no matter what anyone else does

He's garbage!

No, I do think they'll miss him and obviously they are a better team with him, which I think I said before. I just don't think they're automatically finished without him. It's a tougher road, sure. But we've seen two different Islanders teams; not just this year but even back when they made those conference finals runs: There's the team that tries to push the pace, and pays enough attention to details so that when they can't do that they can at least hold down the fort while the opponent's pushing; and there's the team that skates into each other, turns the puck over constantly, and looks like it'll never stop chasing the play.

That's been true with or without Dobson...or for that matter with or without Barzal, or Horvat, or Pelech, or whoever. Which one of those teams shows up is more important to the outcome of a given game, I think, than who's dressed for it. And, for the life of me, I can't figure out why there's such a difference with this team...are they playing way over their heads when they look good, or are they slacking that much when they look bad? Lately I've been leaning toward the former; Lou clearly believes the latter.
- UIF

I think it's a combo of a bunch of different things and figuring out the percentage of each to correctly apply solutions makes it a nightmare.
I will say parity in the NHL is at an all time high IMO. It's a constant game of rock, paper, scissors when it comes to teams with heavy forechecks v. fast teams vs. big physical teams etc. I do think the lack of overall defensive physicality coupled with poor forward speed has killed the transition game they were so good at a few years ago. It seems like other teams are able to easily backup and stay in front of our forwards when we get a turnover.
A few players are older and slower so the Isles aren't able to apply four lines of forecheck pressure the way they have in the past. This also probably means they're tired more often than the past.

Then there's also a collection of players who I think lack consistent intensity, but that's a whole other issue......

Las Vegas Knights: Mark Stone has been cleared to practice with the team on the ice as he continues to recover from a lacerated spleen sustained on February 20.
Stone is expected to participate in a non-contact jersey beginning on Friday during the team's morning skate

If you're not cheatin', you're not tryin'.
Honestly, just like Kucherov's miracle return for the playoffs that cheated the Isles out of a Stanley Cup Series (IMO) with $17 mil in cap surplus, this Stone crap is just that.

The NHL should institute a date that players on the LTIR must be activated by to participate in the postseason.

Las Vegas Knights: Mark Stone has been cleared to practice with the team on the ice as he continues to recover from a lacerated spleen sustained on February 20.
Stone is expected to participate in a non-contact jersey beginning on Friday during the team's morning skate

If you're not cheatin', you're not tryin'.
Honestly, just like Kucherov's miracle return for the playoffs that cheated the Isles out of a Stanley Cup Series (IMO) with $17 mil in cap surplus, this Stone crap is just that.

The NHL should institute a date that players on the LTIR must be activated by to participate in the postseason.
- keaner17

- eichiefs9

Oh trust me, I think we'll miss that aspect plenty, especially since it will be Aho who is asked to fill that role. Even in victory, Aho was not good last night. The idea of giving him an important role like PP QB is downright scary. I guess technically Barzal is the QB but I'd probably give Dobber's role to Reilly and consider either a fourth forward or Pulock on the other side (he's got to hit the net eventually).
- keaner17

I hear you. I just think we’ll miss it a little more then you. 😂
This team can’t afford to lose any of their main contributors. He’s one of them. Yeah I assume Reilly will get some more time on the PP and otherwise.

I think it's a combo of a bunch of different things and figuring out the percentage of each to correctly apply solutions makes it a nightmare.
I will say parity in the NHL is at an all time high IMO. It's a constant game of rock, paper, scissors when it comes to teams with heavy forechecks v. fast teams vs. big physical teams etc. I do think the lack of overall defensive physicality coupled with poor forward speed has killed the transition game they were so good at a few years ago. It seems like other teams are able to easily backup and stay in front of our forwards when we get a turnover.
A few players are older and slower so the Isles aren't able to apply four lines of forecheck pressure the way they have in the past. This also probably means they're tired more often than the past.

Then there's also a collection of players who I think lack consistent intensity, but that's a whole other issue......
- keaner17

Good points. On the formula part of it, yeah, the Isles' style of forechecking never seems to succeed against a team like Carolina, for example. If the Isles throw scissors, they always seem to throw rock!

I do think speed is a big thing, which Ses points out regularly. I think the Isles have players that are right on that edge where, if they have 100% energy that night, they can stay ahead of the play and forecheck very well, but if they have 99% energy, they're just a step behind and that throws the whole thing out of balance.