Islanders end winless streak at 14

Islander scorer Jesse Joensuu is congratulated by Radek Martinek. His goal proved to be the difference in a 2-0 shutout of the Devils, helping the Islanders finally end their 14-game winless streak.

 
Finally, the Islanders had something to be thankful for. On the day after Thanksgiving, they defeated the Devils 2-0 before 10,897 at Nassau Coliseum, mercifully ending their winless streak at 14 (1-11-3). Rick DiPietro stopped all 29 shots including 13 in the third period for the club's first win since Oct.21 at Tampa Bay. Making his third consecutive start, DP was strong facing a Devil onslaught in the final 20 to preserve an emotional victory for interim coach Jack Capuano, who finally won his first game in five tries (1-2-2).

The Islanders built a two-goal lead thanks to unlikely scorers Jesse Joensuu and Rob Schremp, who entered with a combined one goal. Joensuu finished off a nice passing play 92 seconds in with Frans Nielsen and Michael Grabner assisting to give the Isles the lead. They outshot a flat Devil team 13-5. The Devil struggles continued. By the time Schremp buried a wrist shot past Johan Hedberg at 5:15 of the second, shots were 18-8 favoring the Long Island hosts. Blake Comeau and James Wisniewski notched helpers. Two players who've slumped during the franchise's second longest streak without a win. They avoided matching a 15-game winless streak (Nov.22-Dec.23, 1999).

New Jersey finally started to come on in the second half getting eight of the last nine shots in the second. However, they still trailed by a deuce headed to the third. John MacLean's team came out with more urgency in the final stanza, swarming the Islanders. They quickly peppered DiPietro with seven shots the first five minutes but couldn't solve the Islander franchise netminder, who was up to the task, sliding over to deny rookie Mattias Tedenby off a nice set up from Jason Arnott and Patrik Elias. He also thwarted Ilya Kovalchuk pointblank with the lost Devil $100 million man firing a rebound wide. Kovalchuk had a rough day taking a minor while having all four of his offerings shutdown by DiPietro. The 27 year-old Russian hasn't lit the lamp in six straight, registering only an assist with a minus-four rating. It's no secret that the Devs need better from their top sniper, who remains stuck on four goals. MacLean tried Adam Mair in place of rook Alexander Vasyunov on the right side. Mystifying.

In a period controlled by the Devils who had plenty of chances to get back in it including a botched five-on-three that probably left Hasan sick from the turkey and stuffing, they didn't come close. Despite a 13-1 SOG edge, it didn't matter. The Islanders did a good job sacrificing their bodies, blocking 27 shots including a half dozen apiece from stalwarts Mark Eaton and Radek Martinek. Sadly, the dozen they combined for were one better than the entire New Jersey roster. If you subtract Anton Volchenkov (3 blocks) and Patrik Elias (4), the rest of the 16 skaters had five, typifying what was missing from a team that came in on its first two-game win streak.

The Islanders were more desperate. Even in only taking two shots on Hedberg the last half of the contest, they won most of the battles. Under Capuano, they have been more competitive earning points against Atlanta and Columbus before finally breaking through to get the monkey off their backs. Maybe loaning Josh Bailey to Bridgeport after the third-year pivot went 13 straight without a point lit a fire to the rest of the club. They did the little things that win, playing more physical with 31 hits compared to the Devs' 14. Only one Islander didn't make the stat sheet. They needed to be on the Devils, especially when back-to-back penalties to Dylan Reese (interference) and Wisniewski (double-minor hi-sticking) gave their opponent a great chance to get back in it.

Instead, the Devils failed miserably, living up to their paltry road power play record of just one goal. Believe it or not, they rank pretty high at home. The five-on-three was discombobulated with the trigger man Jason Arnott instead of Kovalchuk. Twice, he missed wide with one even caroming out. Kovalchuk played the right side and was hardly a factor, getting one low one-timer through which DiPietro snuffed out. The Islander PK outworked the Devs, hustling to loose pucks and clearing them out when their foes didn't do it themselves with questionable decision making. Pumped up by their team's desperation, the crowd gave them a loud cheer when the second of Wisniewski's penalty was over.

It seemed to take the wind out of New Jersey's sails. They hardly tested DP the final six and a half, partially due to the Islanders' grit. As time wound down, it was finally over with an emotional DiPietro jumping up and down like a kid into the arms of happy teammate Zenon Konopka. He told Deb Kaufman how much the streak had weighed on them and pointedly thanked the fans twice for continuing to support them. A great day to be an Islander. Not so good if you were a Devil.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Rob Schremp, NYI (2nd goal of season, +1 in 20 shifts-13:57)
2nd Star-Mark Eaton/Radek Martinek, NYI (
1st Star-Rick DiPietro, NYI (29 saves incl. 13/13 in 3rd for 1st SHO of season-1st since Jan. also vs NJD)

Mattias Tedenby Penalty Shot Goal

                                        Another highlight from Monday took place in Newark where the Devils exploded for three goals in the first en route to a 5-0 blanking of the Capitals, getting a much needed win for John MacLean. Jason Arnott tallied twice and Patrik Elias had a neat power play redirect of a Mattias Tedenby shot as New Jersey got 30 saves from Johan Hedberg for his 15th career shutout. However, the play of the game took place late in that first when Ilya Kovalchuk sprang the Swede rookie for a breakaway. John Erskine took him down leading to the most exciting play in hockey. The penalty shot! As he had in a Saturday loss at St. Louis, Tedenby made no mistake flying in before going to his bread and butter, sneaking a backhand deke past Braden Holtby for his second consecutive game with a goal. In only six games since being recalled from Albany, the 20 year-old speedy wiz is showing why the Devils took him in the first round two years ago (2008-21st overall). With a goal and helper, he's 3-2-5 thus far and has taken 20 shots. He's been used mostly with Arnott and Elias but might Mac try the gifted right wing with Kovalchuk and Dainius Zubrus? It might be worth the risk if it helps the Devils' $100 million man get going. The Devils host Benedict Arnold's Flames tonight in what should amount to a very intriguing match. You know the fans will be ready for Brent Sutter. Can the Devs finally win two straight? We'll see.

USA-Sweden WJC Semis 9 PM

At the top of the hour, we'll be keeping an eye on the 2010 WJC second semifinal between Team USA and Sweden with the winner playing five-time defending champion Canada for all the marbles. Not surprisingly, the Canadians were too much for a cinderella Swiss team that stunned Russia yesterday, pulling off a 3-2 upset in overtime thanks to Nino Niederreiter's game-tying and sudden death winner. Benjamin Conz- who we praised earlier this tournament for his work between the pipes- was brilliant making 50 saves in the huge upset. Despite giving up six on 44 shots to Canada earlier today, he'll likely be named the tourney's top goaltender. Switzerland can finish no worse than fourth and will draw the loser for the bronze medal.

For Canada, Jordan Eberle scored and hotshot Taylor Hall lit the lamp twice. We'll try to update the condition of Islander prospect D Travis Hamonic, who left with a shoulder injury due to a hit from behind. The second Islander blueliner to be hurt on Canada. Calvin de Haan returned after missing two games but played sparingly. He'll likely see an increased role if Hamonic isn't back. Colten Teubert anchors the back end while Ryan Ellis and Alex Pietrangelo run the point on a power play that's only converted once in their last 11. That could be bad news for tonight's winner.

Team USA enters on the heels of a 6-2 quarterfinal triumph over Finland. Jordan Schroeder tallied three assists, shattering Jeremy Roenick's American WJC record 25 points. The Vancouver Canucks '09 first round pick (22nd overall) has totaled 26 points (6-20-26). Great stuff. We'll see if he can hike the total and help lead the Americans to an upset over a talented Sweden team that features Devil duo Mattias Tedenby and Jacob Josefson along with Magnus Paajarvi Svensson, Andre Petterson, Oliver Ekman Larsson, Tim Erixon and Jacob Markstrom.


Our side has gotten inspired performances from many including team captain Derek Stepan (3-8-11) and Chris Kreider (5-1-6). Two Ranger properties along with Ryan Bourque (2 A). Keep an eye on Danny Kristo and Jerry D Amigo as each has had a strong showing. It all starts now. We'll also look in on Hasan's Jets to see if they get it done. At last check, Gang Green was leading the Bengals 7-0 at the end of one. Good luck bud. :)

Canada beats US in classic

For at least one more night, Oh Canada was played as fans cheered their hockey heroes one more time for rallying back from two down to beat Team USA 5-4 in the skill competition. In front of over a record 15,000 jam packed at Saskatoon for what's looking to be a traditional WJC New Year's marquee attraction, the five-time defending champs overcame a 4-2 third period deficit to pull out the victory- winning Group A for an automatic bye into the semis.

Earlier in the day, Sweden earned the other free spot by routing US quarterfinal foe Finland 7-1, with Devil properties Jacob Josefson scoring twice and Mattias Tedenby tallying a goal and assist. Russia also defeated the Czech Republic 5-2 to setup the other quarter versus Swiss. Islander property Kiril Petrov scored a goal and assist while Blue Jacket product Nikita Filatov added two helpers. Vladimir Tarashenko had two goals and a helper.

As for the latest American-Canadian showdown, it lived up to its billing with both teams skating ferociously finishing every check in a barn burner. If last year's Canada 7-4 comeback from an early 0-3 hole was great, then this was even better featuring more twists and turns than a roller coaster. Both came out ready for this crucial test after laughers. Early on, the USA established their forecheck. But it was the hosts who got on the board first when Stefan Della-Rovere slammed home a Jordan Caron shot that got redirected by Luke Adam, caroming off Jack Campbell to Rovere for the gimme just 2:03 in.

However, the lead lasted only 1:37 with the Americans getting it right back on a power play goal from Philip McRae. With Brayden Schenn in the box, McCrae started the play down low coming out for a stuff try which Jake Allen got a piece of. But it rebounded to Jerry D Amigo, who also was denied. The puck caromed back to McRae for an easy finish. Tied up, both clubs took turns attacking. But in a seesaw period that saw Canada hold a slight 10-9 shots edge, the USA did a good job shutting down their dangerous power play by killing off two penalties, including one taken by Ranger prospect Chris Kreider that negated a man-advantage. Our great attention to detail saw them not only disrupt Ryan Ellis but blanket Taylor Hall, who was closely shadowed by junior 'mate Cam Fowler.

Sound backchecking, blocked shots and breaking up plays at last split seconds allowed the Americans to catch the Canadian points deep, generating plenty of shorthanded opportunities, including a near miss from Ryan Bourque off a nice Derek Stepan set up. A common theme throughout. Still deadlocked at one, Team USA finally made it work when Jordan Schroeder got behind for a breakaway and went five-hole on Allen for a 2-1 lead. The play was made possible by standout teammate Tyler Johnson, who after breaking up a chance, turned around in one motion and threaded the needle to the Vancouver No.22 overall '09 pick. A great heads up play for the lead.

This game had everything, including nasty hits like the one Colten Teubert delivered on an American. Both teams didn't give an inch. Trailing for the first time all tournament (they hadn't been scored on till tonight), Canada struck back thanks to Jordan Eberle's fancy backhand tuck job. Taking a Schenn pass, Eberle dashed around a D and then went to the backhand, deking Campbell for the equalizer 4:07 later. Amazingly, less than a minute later, a huge play took place when Teubert took down a cutting Kreider for a penalty shot. He had completed a hat trick versus Latvia with an off the grain forehand. He made the same move but Allen gave him nothing to Canadian fans' delight.

Team USA then ran into penalty trouble handing Canada consecutive power plays. What probably was frustrating was that while A.J. Jenks got nabbed for interference, Nazem Kadri threw him down moments earlier with no call. It didn't matter. They had to kill it. As time wound down in the second, our guys continued to attack exploiting Canada's overpinching. They again connected shorthanded when this time Johnson was the beneficiary of an inspired D Amigo rush. He flew down the left wing forcing Allen to make a stop but the puck went up in the air right off Johnson's stick and in for the shorty, coming with under 11 seconds left. Most amazing was D Amigo's presence of mind to look up at the clock as the play developed, putting them back ahead. Great stuff.

It set up one heck of a third. With Canada still on the PP, Hall nearly tied it twice on the opening shift just missing wide after slipping behind and then also coming close on a wrap around. However, as the penalty expired, Stepan made a nice defensive play and then found Danny Kristo for a big goal 61 seconds in. One of the most dangerous finishers on our side, Kristo beat the D with a great one-on-one move inside and then went five-hole pumping his fists and cheering as he passed the bench.

The problem was there was still plenty of time left. Too much for Canada to give up. Stepan came close to making it 5-2 but Allen shut the door. That gave his teammates a chance to comeback. For a while, nothing was going on except sound defensive play from Team USA. But that all changed when with under 10 minutes left, Eberle got a stick on a Schenn shot for his second of the night, cutting to 4-3. Brandon McMillan started it with a good cycle, getting a key secondary helper. With the crowd suddenly alive, the US took a timeout. Unfortunately, they couldn't stem momentum. Not even after denying Canada on another PP and getting their own with over five minutes to go.

Instead, they were way too tenative. Just as I was noting it to my Dad, here came Alex Pietrangelo taking full advantage of a sloppy turnover and then roofing a perfect laser to know it at four apiece with 4:05 remaining. The roof nearly came off the place. Amazingly, they almost won it in regulation but a goal was wiped out due to a player in the crease with like two minutes left. It would go to four-on-four overtime.

Unfortunately, nothing was decided, forcing a winner take all shootout for tops in the Group. Nothing separated the North American combatants thru two rounds with Eberle, Kristo, Kadri and Jeremy Morin all scoring. Brandon Kozun put Canada back ahead when he shot thru Campbell's wickets, leaving it all up to Schroeder. He had a fantastic game but went to the same move that worked prior. This time, Allen closed it up, allowing his team to celebrate a great victory to improve to 4-0 and an automatic bid into the Final Four.

As the Canadian anthem played, the dejection on our kids' faces said it all. They knew they had it but let Canada off the hook. Stepan still composed himself to do an interview on NHL Network. Didn't catch it. They have nothing to be ashamed of but were oh so close. Now, they must go out and beat the Finns for another possible crack at their archrival. At least it was a classic.

New Year's Puck

Tonight, 2009 ends for good. For us East coasters, it's less than seven hours till the ball drops. Apparently, that already has happened for one of our Battle teams.:P There actually is a game between the Habs and Cats now. And for any WJC followers, Tedenby and Josefson scored for Sweden against Finland. The big one takes place at 8 between USA and Canada in Saskatoon. I hope our boys pull it off silencing those nimrods who boo our team. But not holding out much hope there.

Three of four BONY teams do battle tonight. The Rangers visit the Candy Canes at 7:30 while the Islanders are in Ottawa at 7. And a possible Cup preview in the Windy City between the two best teams at present, the Devils and Blackhawks going off half an hour after the big game I'll be locked into. What? You really thought I'd be glued to my pathetic team after last night.


I'd say more but am about to head out and finally sign up for Planet Fitness. Part of my 2010 New Year's Resolutions. I want to thank Hasan, Brian and Underdog for their contributions and of course our fans. Without the readers, this blog would be useless. Thank you to all. Wishing a Happy and healthy New Year!

WJC Update

If you haven't watched the WJC, it's not too late. The games are about to get better. USA plays Canada on New Year's Eve at 8. So, both killed the comp again yesterday with the Americans handing poor Latvia a 12-1 beat down while the host Canadians hammered Slovakia 8-2 in Taylor Hall's coming out party (hat trick).

Can anyone stop Canada? Their roster is like all All-Stars from Ryan Ellis to Jordan Eberle to Alex Pietrangelo to Nazem Kadri to Brayden Schenn to Patrice Cormier to Gabriel Bourque to Brandon McMillan to Colten Teubert to Jared Cowen to Brandon Kozun to Jake Allen. Did we mention Hall now is up to seven points? Yikes. And sadly, they didn't select other potential top pick Taylor Sequin. Scary.

In USA's predictable 11-goal rout, Ranger prospects Derek Stepan and Chris Kreider continued to turn heads with the American captain scoring twice and setting up two others while the Blueshirts' 2009 No.1 pick netted a hat trick, finishing it off in style on a penalty shot (wrister shortside). Just how good are they? Let's see how each does against the best tomorrow night in Saskatoon. Btw...Canada donned green jerseys in tribute to Sask and Robyn Regehr's wife presented the Star Of The Game. Damn. She's hot! Let's just say the Calgary defenseman is a lucky man.

Who else starred yesterday? Jersey product Kyle Palmieri (Ana) had four assists. Danny Kristo (Mtl) had a pair of goals as did Jason Zucker. Jeremy Morin had a goal and assist while Jordan Schroeder (Van) tallied two helpers along with Jake Gardiner, Philip McRae, Brian Lashoff and John Ramage. Okay. You get the point.

In the one competitive game, a more experienced Sweden handled Russia 4-1. Magnus Paajarvi Svensson (Tor) netted a goal and two assists while Andre Petersson notched two markers including a rocket thru a screen that restored a two-goal lead after Islander property Kiril Petrov converted a breakaway (forehand, far side). Daniel Brodin took full advantage of a sloppy turnover, beating Igor Bobkov with 14 and a half left for the final margin. Despite Russia holding a slight edge in shots (37-32), the Swedes were the much better team, playing better defense while also attacking more effectively. Though they each were kept off the board, Devil products Mattias Tedenby and Jacob Josefson were superb cycling the puck well and generating chances. Especially the small but speedy Tedenby, who ironically donned No.9 reminding of another current Devil. So, plenty to like there.

Also standing out was defenseman Oliver-Ekman Larsson, whose superb outlets led to half the Swede output. The prettiest of which was Petersson's second off a sweet one-touch drop pass from Svensson that was started by Larsson. The Russians had ample opportunities to tie after captain Nikita Filatov (CBJ) setup Petrov with the best coming off the stick of 17 year-old Yevgeni Kuznetsov, which Jacob Markstrom (Fla) calmly tucked away for one of his 36 saves. The Swede D played Filatov physical trying to take him out of the game. But he did get involved with the assist and also a couple of other chances, finishing with an assist, four SOG and plus-one.

Also impressing us were Vyacheslav Kulemin and Vladimir Tarashenko up front along with blueliners Maxim Chudinov and Dmitri Orlov. A shame that Evgeny Grachev isn't getting to experience this great tournament, instead learning on the ropes at Hartford.

In the early game, the Czechs rolled over Austria 7-1 to get their first win. Vladimir Roth had four points (1-3-4) while Tomas Kubalik and Andrej Nestrasil each had a goal and two assists. Robert Kouzal added a goal and helper. Later today, Finland takes on Austria and the Swiss battle Latvia for a chance to pickup a victory. We're keeping an eye on New Year's with not only the USA/Canada clash but Swe/Fin and Cze/Rus with Switzerland taking on Slovakia and star Tomas Tatar (Det).

The competition should get better. So, if you want to catch some of the future, check it all out on NHL Network in The States.