Ben Shelley: Islanders begin 2022 with a win, beat Oilers in overtime

Ben Shelley: Islanders begin 2022 with a win, beat Oilers in overtime
- Ben Shelley

Noice!

Beginning sign of a good year.

John Tonelli for HOF

Next game December 13?? I think Ben means January 13.

Next game December 13?? I think Ben means January 13.
- JohnScammo

- Cptmjl

Next game December 13?? I think Ben means January 13.
- JohnScammo

It really sucks. They had two good games and have some momentum and now they have to wait 2 weeks for the next game.

Next game December 13?? I think Ben means January 13.
- JohnScammo

Good catch - thanks!

Good catch - thanks!
- Ben Shelley

I say this knowing our schedule along with everyone else’s is pretty much (frank)ed now but we legitimately have a shot at a wild card spot. This halt in games will allow us to most likely get Pulock back and Palmieri(whatever) after the next game. It should be a full, healthy, lineup which if we continue playing like this it’s not unrealistic at all.

We have four or five games in hand on most of the teams in the conference. We need to start winning in division games but none of this is even too much of a stretch three point games and all.

I say this knowing our schedule along with everyone else’s is pretty much (frank)ed now but we legitimately have a shot at a wild card spot. This halt in games will allow us to most likely get Pulock back and Palmieri(whatever) after the next game. It should be a full, healthy, lineup which if we continue playing like this it’s not unrealistic at all.

We have four or five games in hand on most of the teams in the conference. We need to start winning in division games but none of this is even too much of a stretch three point games and all.
- Cptmjl

The math is very much against them. 3 point games make the WC race deceiving.

I say this knowing our schedule along with everyone else’s is pretty much (frank)ed now but we legitimately have a shot at a wild card spot. This halt in games will allow us to most likely get Pulock back and Palmieri(whatever) after the next game. It should be a full, healthy, lineup which if we continue playing like this it’s not unrealistic at all.

We have four or five games in hand on most of the teams in the conference. We need to start winning in division games but none of this is even too much of a stretch three point games and all.
- Cptmjl

Does this mean Lou will be on the Chycrun sweepstakes or the Chariot sweepstakes????

I say this knowing our schedule along with everyone else’s is pretty much (frank)ed now but we legitimately have a shot at a wild card spot. This halt in games will allow us to most likely get Pulock back and Palmieri(whatever) after the next game. It should be a full, healthy, lineup which if we continue playing like this it’s not unrealistic at all.

We have four or five games in hand on most of the teams in the conference. We need to start winning in division games but none of this is even too much of a stretch three point games and all.
- Cptmjl

My only concern is that how many back to backs will they get hit with. Still trying to be optimistic but as each day changes, the hill is getting steeper.

The math is very much against them. 3 point games make the WC race deceiving.
- JimmyP

I was waiting for you after I hit submit

No doubt we would have to go on a tear but we have games in hand on every team we’re trying to catch. We managed to pick up points the last five games and like I said we’ll have more then likely a healthy lineup unless we get a random injury which of course is just part of the season. We’re most likely out of the Covid woods considering almost the entire team has caught it now

Look at a team like the rangers who have managed to evade losing players to the dreaded Covid protocols. I don’t expect that to stay that way. If the team performs and plays to their ability we have at the very least a shot imo. Just have to beat teams within our division without giving them a point.

Does this mean Lou will be on the Chycrun sweepstakes or the Chariot sweepstakes????

- HenryHockey

I hope not I’m still not big on the idea of giving up any legit assets.

My only concern is that how many back to backs will they get hit with. Still trying to be optimistic but as each day changes, the hill is getting steeper.
- Nfdbulldawg

They have been picking up points with a makeshift lineup every game. If they can get dialed in and go on a streak they can do it. Not saying they will but it’s definitely possible.

I was waiting for you after I hit submit

No doubt we would have to go on a tear but we have games in hand on every team we’re trying to catch. We managed to pick up points the last five games and like I said we’ll have more then likely a healthy lineup unless we get a random injury which of course is just part of the season. We’re most likely out of the Covid woods considering almost the entire team has caught it now

Look at a team like the rangers who have managed to evade losing players to the dreaded Covid protocols. I don’t expect that to stay that way. If the team performs and plays to their ability we have at the very least a shot imo. Just have to beat teams within our division without giving them a point.
- Cptmjl

People underestimate how hard it is to make up ground. The Isles have a .464 winning percentage. The NHL average is .560. That's only the average to break even. The Isles would have to go something like 37-17 to make the last WC spot. It's possible, but highly unlikely.

People underestimate how hard it is to make up ground. The Isles have a .464 winning percentage. The NHL average is .560. That's only the average to break even. The Isles would have to go something like 37-17 to make the last WC spot. It's possible, but highly unlikely.
- JimmyP

Right now the islanders are 7 points out of the last spot. It’s not impossible and I do believe certain teams will fall back. The islanders right now control their destiny and they have the team and coaching who can do it

Just watched the game and that was isles hockey, the last 2 games were. Maybe they heat up and Dobson is in fact legit

People underestimate how hard it is to make up ground. The Isles have a .464 winning percentage. The NHL average is .560. That's only the average to break even. The Isles would have to go something like 37-17 to make the last WC spot. It's possible, but highly unlikely.
- JimmyP

I’m aware I’m saying this knowing that. I think while you’re acknowledging what you state here, which I don’t disagree with, you also have to remember that this team has gone on winning streaks two of the last three seasons. They ramble off 8-10 consecutive wins half of which are against division rivals they’re right back in this thing if we play a full 82 game season. Maybe they’re not the same team but the last couple of games they’re playing as a unit. Chara has been serviceable and if the players that history tells us can score start putting the puck in the net, finally, we got a shot.

Just watched the game and that was isles hockey, the last 2 games were. Maybe they heat up and Dobson is in fact legit
- Upstate_isles

Dobson looks great all over the ice. Hopefully he can keep it up.

Right now the islanders are 7 points out of the last spot. It’s not impossible and I do believe certain teams will fall back. The islanders right now control their destiny and they have the team and coaching who can do it
- kasperrko

I possibly see the Rangers as one of those teams. If shesty pulls a groin again or they start getting hit with Covid they’ll fall back.

Just watched the game and that was isles hockey, the last 2 games were. Maybe they heat up and Dobson is in fact legit
- Upstate_isles

Dobson has been playing really well. You can see the confidence building in each game. While he not a Norris Trophy candidate yet, very pleased with his play.

It's a long shot indeed for the Islanders to make the playoffs. Just 10% chance, according to this site. http://www.playoffstatus....nhl/easternstandings.html

The good news? A week or 2 ago, they were only given a 6% chance.

During this 4-game point streak, they were playing teams that were decent to bad (sorry, Buffalo). I will begin to get enthusiastic when they start beating the top teams like Tampa, Florida, Carolina, or yes, the Rangers.

It's a long shot indeed for the Islanders to make the playoffs. Just 10% chance, according to this site. http://www.playoffstatus....nhl/easternstandings.html

The good news? A week or 2 ago, they were only given a 6% chance.

During this 4-game point streak, they were playing teams that were decent to bad (sorry, Buffalo). I will begin to get enthusiastic when they start beating the top teams like Tampa, Florida, Carolina, or yes, the Rangers.
- JohnScammo

I was happy to seem them get back to the style that made them successful the past few years.