Isles Pull Off Yet Another Comeback In Win @ Rangers

 

(photo by zimbio)

Tonight, our Islanders pulled off yet another come from behind win.  This time, it was coming back from two separate two goal deficits to defeat the rival Rangers by a score of 5-3.  Here are some of my notes from the game:

-I've said it many times, but Garth Snow absolutely has to resign Thomas Vanek.  Sure, that line may have it's defensive flaws but when they are the top three guys in scoring in the NHL since 12/17 they have some leeway.  Losing Vanek for anything short of blown away package would be a very bad loss for this team.

-John Tavares was absolutely on fire tonight!  It didn't matter which line you put him on, he just continued to get assists.

-Good to see McDonald and Matt Martin chip in with a couple goals.

-Poulin was pretty solid tonight, seems like the day of yesterday did some good for him.

-The defensive pairing of Donovan and de Haan struggled early on but managed to recover as the game went on.  It is encouraging to see the rookie tandem work through their issues and overcome them rather then be overcome by them.

-Frans Nielsen may have slowed down from his pace earlier this year but he is quietly having quite a solid season.  He tied his career high in goals at 17 with his empty net tally tonight.

At the end of one, most would say this game had disaster written all over it given the Islanders lack of defense exhibited in the first period.  However, for this years Islanders it was just another day at the office being down 2-0 then 2-1.  Somehow they yet again managed to pull off a comeback from two goals and pull out the win in regulation which is key for them going forward.  After struggling for as long as they did, they are putting up some fight now as they currently sit 5 points back of the last wild card spot held by the Blue Jackets.  If they can be at .500 at the Olympic break, it will be a very tense final six weeks on Long Island.

Next Game: Thursday @ Home Vs the Penguins