The Islanders lack of secondary scoring has cost them yet another game as the Islanders fell to the Panthers for the second time in six games this season.
The Isles had only taken 10 shots through two periods, before getting some powerplay chances in the 3rd and getting 18 in the final frame. John Tavares had seven shots. Blake Comeau once again had none, while Kyle Okposo only managed one. Tavares would finish with a goal and an assist.
Of course, it is very hard to get shots when you are sleepwalking through some of the battles on the boards. There should be no reason why the Isles should not emerge with the puck when they outnumber their opponent on the boards, but unfortunately that happened a few times.
While it didn't come through when needed in the last six or so minutes of the game, the powerplay was definitely clicking. The Islanders got some good chances in on net, and managed both of their goals on the man advantage.
Evgeni Nabokov looked good in his second start for the team. He did make some really nice saves, and when you consider he's still getting his bearings straight in the NHL after 17 months out of it. As I mentioned earlier, the Isles were grossly out shot through the first two periods, and the fact that it remained tied was because of the play of Nabokov, no question about it.
Jack Capuano hinted at line changes after the last game, but was unable to likely try what he wanted with Brian Rolston out due to the birth of his son. I would expect some shuffling of the lines by Tuesday night when the Isles return home to face the Pittsburgh Penguins.
NYI FYI Sunday at 11 AM: Sean and I will be back at it to provide you with our normal bantering on Sunday at 11 AM. We'll have the uStream up and running, along with the chat room component where you can give us your thoughts and questions from the week that was in Islanders hockey, or around the NHL. You all participated a lot last week, and given the circumstances would imagine there's a lot for you to say today as well. It should be a fun show.
For those who can't listen live, be sure to catch the podcast shortly after we complete the show.
-Chris
nyifyi@gmail.com
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