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ISLES INFO |
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ISLES INFO |
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IslesInfo Comments: The boos rained down on Darcy Tucker and the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight as they skated out for the pregame warmup. That would only be a preview of what was to come. Earlier in the day the Islanders called up tough guy Eric Godard from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The decision was made after the Isles learned that Toronto was going to insert a full lineup of tough guys themselves, including Shayne Corson, Bryan McCabe and Wade Belak at forward. Belak was a healthy scratch for the last three Leaf games. To fit Godard into the fourth line, Oleg Kvasha was somewhat of a surprising scratch, but certainly not undeserving. Fans would begin their diatribe on Tucker early in the game when the struggling forward did not make his first appearance until well over 3 minutes into the game. Until then both teams were in a feeling out mode and when Tucker did finally come out on the Leafs 4th line he was met with a round of boos. But before that Tucker listened to the Isles fans chant "We Want Tucker, We Want Tucker!!!" It didn't take long for the Isles to lay a hit on him as Dave Scatchard smacked him into the boards. The Islanders were very physical, including new additions who were not with the team for the playoff series last season. Mattias Timander plastered former Isles Robert Reichel into the corner boards behind the Isles net. It seemed like the Isles would go on the powerplay over 6 minutes in when Mats Sundin took his hand off his stick to hold up Brad Isbister. The referee made a bad call and also sent off Isbister for diving. Shortly after Eric Cairns would have words with a very arrogant Shayne Corson in front of Chris Osgood's net. The Islanders failed to score on a Robert Svehla interference call, but would draw first blood soon after. Through pressured forecheck Jason Blake would take an elbow to the face by Corson as he dished the puck to Scatchard. Scatch pulled the puck to the front of the net and the puck found it's way to the slot. Jason Wiemer jumped on the loose puck and chipped it over Trevor Kidd's right pad for a 1-0 lead at 10:17. The Isles were outshooting the Leafs 11-1 and winning a majority of the faceoffs. As the Isles continued to dominate, Corson tried to goad Steve Webb into a fight. Webb was hitting everything much to the Isle fans delight and getting much more ice time than he's normally accustomed to. When Webb tried to lay another big hit towards the end of the period, he was confronted by Tie Domi, who would subsequently be confronted by Cairns. Unfortunately, the Leafs would tie the game 1-1 with 11 seconds remaining in the period. Osgood would send the puck around the corner boards and it ended up right on the stick of foormer Islander Tom Fitzgerald. He turned at the high left circle and fired a lobbing puck that Ozzie had a clean look at. Somehow he misjudged it and the puck bounced off his pad and into the net. - The Isles came out flying once again in the second period and it paid off right away. Isbister skated around the net and it seemed as if he was going to lose the puck. As he was going down with a man on his back, Izzy scooped it into the slot. Arron Asham got the pass right on his stick and deposited his 4th of the season by Kidd into the left side of the net. The goal put the Islanders up 2-1 at the 45 second mark. Michael Peca got the other assist. A little over 2 minutes into the period the Isles continued to play mean and Webb absolutely leveled Leaf forward Jonas Hoglund. Hoglund got up but with assistance since he seemed a bit dizzy and disoriented. In reaction to the hit, Eric Godard got into his first NHL fight with Domi. The Isles would kill off a penalty to Asham at the 6:10 mark and kept the attack going at even strength. Adrian Aucoin sent the puck into the slot off the right boards down in the Leafs zone where Mark Parrish was waiting to pounce on it. He lost possession of the puck to the left of the net, but a streaking Isbister was Johnny on the spot and slammed the puck through Kidd to make it 3-1 at 8:55 giving the Isles a 2 goal lead. Over 5 minutes had passed when Domi went uncalled for hitting Asham from behind. Seconds later Wiemer clobbered Tucker right on his back much to the fans glee. Webb would get called for a penalty later on as he tried to line up Corson and got him pretty good. But not full force. Corson still went flying before Webb got sent off for roughing. The officials, namely Don Koharski, blew a call late in the second period that should have resulted in a penalty shot attempt for the Isles. That really would have added some excitement to the game. Kenny Jonsson broke in down low for a shot that Svehla dropped on his hands and knees in the goal crease to cover it up. Kidd had no idea where it was. Neither did Koharski unfortunately. - At 6:54 of the third the Islanders would take a 4-1 lead of another goal by new sniper Asham on the powerplay. Coach Peter Laviolette feels Asham has a good shot and wants him to use it more. He did tonight and looked like a goal scorer doing it, scoring his third goal in the last two games since being scratched last Saturday night against Ottawa. Asham received a tough pass in the slot once again from Isbister. Arron took the puck off his skate and quickly snapped it by a stunned Kidd. That gave Isbister a goal and two assists in the game. Aucoin assisted on it also for his second of the game. Off the next faceoff, Scatchard and Corson dropped gloves and went at it. Corson was looking to go at it all game, taunting Webb earlier on by dropping his gloves on the bench with Webb in the box. Later, Svehla would take a holding penalty and put the Isles back on the powerplay. At 10:05 Mats Sundin would break down the middle shorthanded and release a deadly shot before the Isles defensemen could reach him. It got by Osgood to make it 4-2 as Sundin notched his 12th. But this game belonged to the Islanders as they showed much more passion from the drop of the opening faceoff. The Isles went 1-8 on the PP for the night, getting yet another chance later on when Jyrke Lumme highsticked Blake in the face. Toronto only had 3 powerplays in the game, but that's all they deserved as they were the team very undisciplined tonight. Bryan McCabe returned to the Leafs lineup tonight and got called early in the third for his famed "can opener" move. As the Isles closed in on their 10th win of the season, constant shots of Tucker on the benched showed an agitated and almost emotionally distraught player. The fans chanted "Darrrrrcy, Darrrrrcy" and the attention seemed to bother him. The only thing I will say about that is after what he did, you reap what you sew. Tucker refused to talk about the incident and the game leading up to tonight and remarked that he wouldn't talk about it until after the game. -
The Islanders improved to 10-13-3, 23 points. The Pittsburgh Penguins lost
tonight in New Jersey 3-1, so the Isles are now 5 points behind the 8th
playoff spot as they skate into Pittsburgh tonight for a showdown. If the
Isles can win it will be a perfect weekend. The four point swing would put
the Isles just 3 points out of the final playoff position. Florida, also
with 28 points after defeating Carolina last night 2-0, host Edmonton
tonight. The Isles outshot Toronto 37-15 in the game tonight. Fight Card #1: Eric Godard vs. Tie Domi. Not a bad player to pick your first NHL fight against. The Islander fans finally got to see what all the hype is about Godard and how he likes to fight. He pretty much held his own as the fight was pretty much a draw. Maybe you could give a tiny slight edge to Domi because he is a veteran at pugilism. Both players threw punches early with Godard connecting a bit. Though both players got the others arms tied up and the punches were not really crisp. Finally the officials broke it up. Fight Card #2: Dave Scatchard vs. Shayne Corson. Scatchard may have had something to prove after Quinn stated that maybe even he could take him. Thanks for the laugh Pat. Anyway, this fight took place after a center ice faceoff following Asham's second goal of the game midway through the third. Similar to the first fight between Godard and Domi, both players got each others arms tied up pretty good. Scatchard landed heavily early and even managed to floor Corson for a brief second. Both player got back up and Corson actually started to land some of his own. It ended with Corson getting the final take down. In all it was yet another draw. But the Islanders proved well with the addition of Godard, Asham and Wiemer that they can more than keep their own in a physical match up with the Leafs. Something they may have lacked in the playoffs last season. Commentary: This had to be the most exciting NHL game i've seen all year. Not just the Islanders, but the entire NHL!!! The match ups were insane! Webb, Wiemer and Tucker. Peca and Tucker. Cairns and Corson. Webb and Corson. Scatchard and Corson. Godard and Domi. The interactions between the players, the trash talking and the genuine hatred between these two teams is an unbelievable entertaining thing to watch. I've heard some say it doesn't rival the Isles-Rangers games, but this year of 2002 you have to say that this rivalry is possibly even bigger right now. Now the Islanders can't fall prey to any hangover and need to win in Pittsburgh if they are going to accomplish what their goal for the weekend. And that is to be 3 points out of 8th by the end of Saturday night.
Report Card: Brad Isbister: This possibly could have been Isbister's best game of the season. He used his size and came out with a dominant effort of 3 points, a goal and two assists. Some people say don't compare him to Todd Bertuzzi. That may not be fair, but Izzy is showing that he can be a pretty dominating player when he wants to be. He tied Yashin for the team lead in goals with 8. It also seems that he is at his best when he is either angered or the game is on the line. Alexei Yashin: Led all skaters with 7 shots on goal, yet his 9 game point scoring streak ended as he went scoreless tonight. He was almost credited with an assisted but it was taken away later on and credited to Aucoin. Still played well, especially in the first period when the Leafs could not take the puck off his stick. Shawn Bates: Played well, particularly on defense and carrying the puck out of the Islanders end. Mark Parrish: Got an assist on Isbister's game winning goal. Still is not getting his normal amount of offensive chances since coming back from the flue last week. Dave Scatchard: Assisted on Wiemer's opening goal and had a nice fight with Corson proving that he is one of the most scrappiest players on the team. Was there ever any doubt? The guy wears the Islanders logo on his heart and on his sleave. Jason Wiemer: Gave the Islanders the lead with a nice chip shot over Kidd in the first period. Jason Blake: Frustrated the Leafs defensemen with his speed. Claude Lapointe: Had a few crunching shifts and played well defensively. Steve Webb: Got more ice time than probably any other game this year. He was highly involved in this win. His hit on Hoglund was the best hit thrown by an Islander this season. And he got under the skin of Domi and Corson all game just like he did last April. Arron Asham: Look out Mike Bossy!! Just kidding. But this kid is showing that he can play. While Czerkawski is on the outs in Montreal, Asham is now thriving with the Isles with more goals. Let's see if he can keep it up. Getting promoted to the second line hasn't hurt him and he hasn't hurt the Isles, unlike early in the year. Oleg Kvasha: A healthy scratch with the addition of Godard. This has to be a big blow to Kvasha not playing in this game. But you may remember he only notched an assist in last season's 7 game series against the Leafs. The Isles needed toughness tonight and Kvasha has not shown that or any offense. Michael Peca: Peca said before the game that he had forgiven Darcy Tucker for taking out his knee, stating that he couldn't possibly keep that pent up inside. That would be unhealthy. Peca played a very good game particularly on defense and faceoffs. He notched an assist on Asham's 4th of the season. Mattias Weinhandl: Shoulder Sprain. One week to go. Eric Godard: Made a nice shot block late in the first period. Got into his first NHL fight against one of the best in Tie Domi. In the third period he almost scored when he took the puck to the net along with Steve Webb and got a couple shots off. Will he get another crack at it tonight? Or will Kvasha get back in against a more finesse Penguin lineup? Why should we play their game? I say give him another go. Defense: Roman Hamrlik: Solid defensively and on the PP. Kept the puck in the zone for the attack a few times. Adrian Aucoin: Has not stood out offensively as much as he has in the past, but he still plays very solid in his own end. Eric Cairns: Had a couple good confrontations with Domi and Corson but nothing came of it besides words. Cairns was very good in his own zone tonight. Kenny Jonsson: Jonsson led the way defensively for the Isles and got some good offensive chances down low as well. He stated before the game that the Isles had to focus on the two points and not about getting even with the Leafs. Gary Roberts, who ended Jonsson's playoffs last season with a hit from behind, did not play because of shoulder surgery in August that will keep him out until February. Radek Martinek: Had a very good game defensively. His confidence has noticeably improved since his return from Bridgeport. His games defensively seem to be getting stronger and stronger. Mattias Timander: A solid game defensively. Goal: Chris Osgood: Was ok, but he only made 13 saves on 15 shots tonight. The first goal was his all the way and he should have had it. The second goal he gets a pass on because it was a pretty good shot by Sundin. But you have to worry how Ozzy feels with all the talk and trade rumors going on. Mike Milbury stated before the game that he talked to Osgood yesterday and told him that the rumors are all BS. But if Osgood does not continue to stay hot and struggle at times, you have to wonder if maybe perhaps the Isles would be better off giving DiPietro a chance.
Coaches Laviolette downplayed the rematch with the Leafs until the game finally was upon us. But he did seem extremely excited before the game started. I only have one major criticism that has come to light with me. Michael Peca recently stated that the Islanders returned to their system that they were successful with last season in the game against Vancouver. It was a form of left wing lock defensive play. My question is, what took them so long to return to last years system??? But tonight, the Islanders were perfect, and the coaching staff was perfect. Special Teams Isles went 1-8 on the PP which is ranked 23rd in the league. They killed off a perfect 3-3 on the PK with has gotten very good as of late.
Islanders Get Revenge on Maple Leafs
Islanders Recall Tough-Guy Godard
Lineups: ISLANDERS DEFENSEMEN GOALTENDERS MAPLE LEAFS DEFENSEMEN GOALTENDERS
Power-play Conversions:
TOR - 0 of 3, NYI - 1 of 8.
IslesInfo Pregame Preview Preview Revenge?!? Dec 6th: Yes, it's the night we've all been waiting for. As much as the players like to downplay it, tonight's meeting between the Isles and the Leafs should be emotionally charged as any game in April. Isles vs. Leafs Preview: Tonight a rivalry is renewed. It's one that is fairly new, dating back to just this past April. But Isles-Leafs is nowadays ranks right up there with Isles-Rangers. Arguably, with all that has happened leading up to this point, the Isles-Leafs rivalry may be even bigger. The Isles face the Leafs tonight for the first time since April 30th, when the Leafs won a hard fought first round playoff series in 7 games. On that night Alexei Yashin got the Isles on the board first and things were looking good. Eventually Toronto took a 3-2 lead and got an empty netter to take the game 4-2. The Leafs went on to defeat the Ottawa Senators in 7 games before losing to the Carolina Hurricanes in the Conference Finals. The Isles were left to mull what could have been after a long, chippy, NHL rules changing series. Not only that, but the Islanders captain Michael Peca was grounded by an absolute cheap shot low bridge hit by Darcy Tucker, who feels he did nothing wrong. Peca needed ACL surgery the following May and missed 6 months(1 1/2 months of playing time) with rehabilitation. The hit took place in game 5 of the series shortly after Tucker promised Peca on the ice that he was going to "get him". Kenny Jonsson was also knocked out of the series in that game by another cheap shot hit from behind by Gary Roberts. Both incidents went un-penalized by the NHL, but under today's rules would surely both result in major penalties and possibly even suspensions. Tucker's brother-in-law, Shayne Corson, was suspended for game 7 after he kicked Eric Cairns in game 6 of the series. So there is obvious bad blood. But can the Isles really afford to try and get even? There is much more at stake tonight, namely two points as the Isles hang on by a thread to the playoff race. What's at stake?: The Isles really need to have a good weekend here. They are 7 points behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for 8th in the East. The Pens play in New Jersey, surely a tough game, tonight. If the Isles can find a way to gain two points tonight against the Leafs, coupled with a Pittsburgh loss to NJ and then skate into Pitt again Saturday and take another game, they can draw to within 3 points of 8th place barring Pitt doesn't get leapfrogged by any other teams. The Isles plan on wearing their orange third jerseys tonight with Toronto wearing their home whites.
Tucker: "It Was Oldtime Hockey" It was a hit that all Islander fans will never forget. It was a hit that Michael Peca will never forget. It was a dirty hit. But as the Leafs skate into town tonight amid increased media attention, Peca and the Isles promise there will be no fireworks...maybe.
Notes: There have been rumors that the NHL is beefing up security for this game, and possibly at the Maple Leafs request. Reportedly, Colin Campbell has not determined as of yet if he will be attending the game, but head of Officials, Andy Van-Hellimond will be in attendance. You'd think Gary Bettman would want to be at this game. Also, it has been reported that the Leafs changed the location of hotel they would be staying at before the game, since both teams had two days off to prepare for this game. That supposedly is not true as the Leafs have stated that they are staying in the same hotel they did during the playoff series. The Leafs also may have requested some kind of extra protective security for Darcy Tucker, who is hated by the New York Islanders faithful. They are afraid that something could happen, which is obviously over reaction. Both teams have made a few changes this summer. If anything does happen physically expect guys like Jason Wiemer and Arron Asham to be involved, along with holdovers Eric Cairns and Steve Webb. Wiemer you might remember was suspended last year for a hit on Tucker earleir in the season. Webb had some huge hits on Tucker, particularly in game 6. Cairns won a most memorable fight in game 6 against Shayne Corson that resulted in a game 7 suspension for Corson, who went un-penalized after smacking Dave Scatchard in the head with his stick earlier in the series. Toronto has 4 ex-Islanders in their lineup. They added former fourth line center Tom Fitzgerald this summer via free agency. You won't see any can opener moves since Bryan McCabe is on the IR. Gary Roberts, arguably the difference in the series for Toronto last Spring, is out until February after having shoulder surgery in August. - The Leafs have been much better as of late, winners of the last 4 in a row. They have also won 8 of their last ten as they have climbed back to one game over .500 after being 4 games under at one point. They are currently 9th in the East with 26 points, two points behind Pittsburgh. The Isles faced Curtis Joseph in goal last year but he left for Detroit as an unrestricted free agent this summer. In came Ed Belfour. After a rocky start Belfour has come on and has been accepted by Leaf fans. He has an impressive 2.18 GAA and is leading the league with 4 shutouts. Trevor Kidd was acquired as their backup. Toronto is 3-4-1 on the road while the Isles are 5-8-1 at home, winning their last game 2-1 over the Canucks Tuesday night.
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Lets Go Isles! |
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1998-2003 Tom Mascioli
