Tonight, for the first time in almost 4 years, our Islanders beat the Flyers in Philly. They defeated them by a score of 3-1. Here are some of my notes:
-In one of my posts recently I asked if anyone could stop John Tavares? Now I can tell you, no way!! Tavares was on fire in this game! He not only extended his point streak to 11 which is tied for the NHL season high (Krejci, BOS) and the longest by an Islander in over a decade. (Parrish, Oct-Nov 01) He also made some individual plays which would make some peoples jaw drop. Not only did he set up multiple odd man rushes because of stick handling and speed, he had two break aways single handidly. We all knew Tavares was going to be good, now were just left wondering how good he will be!
-The Isles have three 40 point scorers right now! Who would've thought they would be the second team in the NHL to achieve that? I know I certainly didn't!
-Nabakov continues to roll! Not only is he playing incredibly sharp right now, but the team is playing with confidence in front of him. Something we've only seen with one other goalie int he last year and change, and that is Al Montoya.
-Since he has returned I wonder when Montoya will get back between the pipes. If Nabby continues playing like this Monty may need to wait a while.
-The Isles got an even strength goal, a powerplay goal, and a shorthanded goal tonight. How often does that happen?
-Nice seeing Streit get on the board!
-Matt Moulson is now tied for 7th in the league in goals! 40 goals anyone?
-Josh Bailey actually scored! Shorthanded nonetheless! It was really nice seeing him get on the board, and congrats on 100 NHL points! Matt Martin made a nice play along the boards to set that up for him!
-Good for Dylan Reese for standing up to Giroux! For a guy who had head troubles id say it wasn't the smartest move on his part. But, nice to see Dylan stand up for himself and not take his crap and actually put on a pretty good fight.
-On the topic of Dylan Reese, he is in his second call up this year and I don't think hes played bad at all! Prior to this year I didn't like him and he wasn't effective up here in my opinion at least. However this year, he hasn't looked out of place in the slightest. In some instances he has been more effective then veterans Mike Mottau or Steve Staios. Its nice to see him finally come into his own at the NHL level.
-Pa Parenteau continues putting up points as well! He is near the top 5 in the NHL in assists. Who expected this? I know I didn't! With his points tonight PA is now at 40 in 45 games. Is 60 out of the question for him? I certainly think not, maybe even 70! He sure is making the most out of the opportunity hes been given here!
-Who would've thought that over the last dozen games the Isles have the best penalty kill in the NHL and tied for the 5th best powerplay? The coaches deserve credit for that!
-I don't know about you, but I don't think I've ever heard the Flyers arena as quiet as it was during this game. That's just a testament to the game the Isles played, if you can shut up Philly sports fans your doing something right!
This brief road trip saw the Islanders play two of the more elite teams in the NHL. Not only did the Islanders defeat these teams, but they beat them pretty soundly! Hopefully people get out to the game on Saturday so they can give the team the proper welcome back because to me, these are two of the better road games they have played consecutively in a while.
Next Game: Saturday @ Home VS the Hurricanes
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