Isles Finish Season On A High In Shootout Win

photo by hockeysfuture

This evening, our Islanders finished their season by defeating the Buffalo Sabres by a score of 4-3 in a shootout after coming from behind on two separate occasions.  Here are some of my notes from the final game of the season:

-Great game from Anders Lee, couldn't ask for a better way to finish off an overall disappointing season then with a multi goal game.  I would be surprised if he isn't a regular in our lineup come October.

-Much like Lee, good to see Frans Nielsen finish off what otherwise has been a career year on a high note.  The big question is if he can repeat it next season.

-For all the criticisms I gave Matt Carkner this season, he played pretty well down the stretch.

-Very nice shot by Brock Nelson to tie the game.  It was shots like that last season in Bridgeport that left me very excited for his future up here.

-Anders Nilsson had another pretty good game following up his solid effort from the Devils game a couple nights ago.  Hopefully, this gives him some confidence heading into the summer.

-The team not only won the game, but they had a good showing in the bouts to.  The most impressive showing was by the most recent Bridgeport call up in Justin Johnson.  In just his first NHL regular season fight Johnson one punch knocked down Sabres enforcer John Scott who holds a tremendous size and weight advantage on him.

This team had a 17-5-2 record in their final 24 road games, which means they won more road games in that span then they did at home all season.  If somehow they could figure out a cure for their home woes that would go a long way in seeing them potentially return to the playoffs next season.