Three wins in a row.
Points in four consecutive games.
And to think, I thought they didn’t have it in them.
In most of the Islanders losses this season, their biggest problem has been their coverage in front of the net. Players like Bruno Gervais, Chris Campoli, Thomas Pock and Brendan Witt have not been strong on the body or the puck when it’s in the crease area. Because Yann Danis and Joey MacDonald aren’t the best goaltenders in terms of giving up rebounds and rebound control, this quirk has bit the Islanders in the arse several times this season.
Last night however, Brendan Witt, especially was on top of his game, taking the body and then the puck all night long. Having a rough season adjusting to Scott Gordon’s system, Witt proved he’s still got some gritty hockey left to play this season.
The forwards were also helping out a ton, as Richard Park saved a goal on a wide open attempt by Richard Zednik in the second. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, a lot of the times, this game is more about hustle than skill. In terms of hustle, Park will always be on top. The numbers are on Park’s side this season as well, as he’s proven just how talented he really is.
Andy Hilbert is another guy that was just running around and doing his thing. Danis did his job and then some as well, making several sharp saves early in the third period to keep the Isles lead in tact. Overall, when these guys are playing this well in their own end and on the penalty kill, your offense doesn’t have to be phenomenal.
Thankfully for the Isles, Mike Comrie scored a sneaky goal after catching Tomas Vokoun behind the net that got them the lead. Bill Guerin’s spin move goal in the third was also pretty surreptitious as well. Considering the move the Islanders captain pulled earlier in the game, where he almost broke a Florida Panthers’ defenseman’s legs, it’s fair to say that he had his best game in quite some time.
Add in another goal from Kyle Okposo and I have to say, this was probably the Isles’ most complete game of the season.
60 solid minutes.
Posted under 2008-2009, Post Game Rants
This post was written by Patrick Hickey, Jr. on February 1, 2009
Best game? Yea it could have been. Danis deserved the shutout too, too bad they got one past him.
A great game I agree, and the Islanders deserved the win against a well playing Panthers team.
However the guy I thought was the star of the night was Frans Nielsen. Involved in two of the goals, but also playing a huge role on defense.
Did you notice how he comes in and solves the troubles of getting it out from down low, around the goal?
He and others is giving up their numbers for the team right now, and it is working.
Plus the PK was unbelievable – and playing as a group. Islanders have improved so much…