Game 53: The New York Islanders at Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay Lightning beat the New York Islanders 1-0.
It was about what I'd expected. The Lightning came out strong in the first and then faded as the game went along. They had 16 shots on goal in the first period, and then a total of 12 shots on goal for the last two. Consistency would've given them a more goals. Still, they manage to win, and that's what matters.
McKenna actually looked a bit nervous in this game. I'm not sure if it was a case of being in front of the home crowd, or that it had finally sunk in that he was starting his second game in a row in the NHL. He still did very well, though - and got the shutout this time, too.
I liked the way that various members of the team decided to stick up for Lecavalier during the first period - for tonight, anyways. There was the Smaby-Jackman fight on the opening faceoff. Then Downie stepped in between Lecavalier and an Islanders. And Malone did the same as well a bit later. So where has this been all season, huh?
The second period was all about the tackle hockey. Bodies were flying everywhere, and, sadly, it wasn't necessarily because people were intentionally hitting each other. But it did make me think about how nobody throws open-ice hip checks anymore. At least, not how they're supposed to be done, anyways. These days, it's almost always accidental if it happens. I guess there's always danger of hitting someone that knee-on-knee, among other things.
The game had a good tempo, and the guys came out ready to play. But, honestly, there wasn't a lot going on but running around. The Lightning dominated on faceoffs, but shots were equal, nobody scored on the power play, and even most of the penalties were off-setting. In theory, that's good; but in reality, that's not all that great considering that the Islanders are dead last in the league.
There were some nice stretches where the Lightning dominated the Islanders, but nothing came of it. Still, everyone knew where they were supposed to be, and what they were supposed to be doing. And it was good to see that they're being more patient with the puck than they have been.
As you probably already know, Jokinen was traded to Carolina today for LW Brookbank, D Melichar, and a draft pick. In case you were wondering, word is that they didn't actually want Brookbank, and Melichar is destined for the minors. So, obviously, they were just trying to get rid of Jokinen and didn't really care what they got back in return. In case you missed that.
3 comments:
I actually fought the crowds of post Gasparilla parade and made it to the game.
The bolts really charged the net in the first period, if it was not for Marc Denis' (JK) cousin playing well we could have had about 5 in the first. Yan always seems to kick out a leg at just the right time on those rebound chances.
I figured we would loose since we failed to convert on all those chances in the first.
They really played flat in the 2 period. I guess its a typical bolts reaction to a great first period.
The third period was pretty even until we got that goal. Then they just about relax 20 seconds to go and give up the tieing goal.
I thought McKenna played well. He did not look nervous to me but I did have a couple large Molsons! :) McKenna is really good at minimal movement to get the job done. He always seems square to the shooter and having the opposite glove hand than most I think helps a lot.
I like the direction Toc has the guys going. We need a roster overhaul but I think the coaching is going in the right direction.
Cassie - heads up during tonight's and Thur's pre-game TV shows on Sun Sports they'll be a cool story about Vinny's recent visit to racing school in Sebring where he got to drive Formula 2000 car for first time - a lifelong dream of his.
@ Anon I:
I don't think that the roster needs to be overhauled. I think they need to play together for most of a season and then see where they're at. As it stands, no one's entirely sure about that.
@ Anon II:
Yeah, I saw that Sun Sports was running a feature of Lecavalier's Sebring racing adventure on the Lightning website. And that it's also on during the second period intermission of both games as well. Which is good for people like me who aren't able to watch the pregame show. Thanks for the info, tho. :o)
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