Well, that was a fun game wasn’t it?
There’s a reason why the Rangers are in first place and there’s a reason why the Isles have only two wins through eight games this season.
Goaltending and offense my friends. Something the Isles don’t have much of right now.
Through the first 40 minutes though, the Islanders looked like they were holding their own. Kyle Okposo, despite flubbing a few golden opportunities through he first half of the first period, really stepped up his game and easily had his best contest of the season. See what happens when this kid gets his legs moving and isn’t scared to initiate contact in the corners? The same thing goes for Frans Nielsen, who was all over the puck through the first two periods.
Speaking of solid performances tonight, Mark Streit was on top of his game as well. With seven points in eight games, the guy is doing everything he can on both ends of the ice to keep this team alive. Even his defense has been better than expected, as he’s did a solid job of clearing the crease, in addition to his prowess on the powerplay.
If there were anything really positive to take from this game, those would have to be it.
On the negative side, Joey MacDonald, while playing decent overall, has got to improve his play with traffic in front of the crease and with loose pucks around him. The Rangers first goal tonight was one that any decent goaltender in this league would have stopped. That’s not to say that Joey Mac isn’t a good netminder, he just has one glaring weakness that needs to be addressed and addressed soon.
Something else that needs to be addressed is the play of Jeff Tambellini. This guy has to get going offensively and soon. He’s taking shots, but isn’t getting any lucky bounces or help. I say throw him on a line with Mike Comrie and Kyle Okposo. Trent Hunter and Nielsen aren’t bad guys to play with, but the combination of speed and offensive ability that Comrie and Okposo have may give Tamby a bit more room on the ice to thrive.
In injury news, it seems that Freddy Meyer is only going to be day to day with an abdominal injury. Nothing against Brett Skinner, but Meyer was playing solid hockey before his injury and with Radek Martinek, Brendan Witt [who allegedly will be out for the next four weeks]and Andy Sutton all out of the lineup, the Isles need all the help they can get.
Posted under 2008-2009, Post Game Rants
This post was written by Patrick Hickey, Jr. on October 28, 2008
Mac played solid outside of the first one making several big saves to give his team a chance. The Isles came undisciplined and were outplayed in the third.
You can’t expect to win when you take that many penalties.
The problem with Mac isn’t that he “has got to improve his play with traffic in front of the crease and with loose pucks around him.” He was actually very good with traffic in front, and made several terrific saves. His play has been a very pleasant surprise so far this season.
The problem on that first goal was that he didn’t hug the post. Simple as that.
He did not hug the post on Gomez goal either. His awareness is lacking a bit. He made the same mistake in the Buffalo game.