New York 1, New Jersey 0: Nilsson First Win/Shutout

New York Islander Fan Central | 3/04/2012 06:28:00 PM |
New York 1, New Jersey 0

Anders Nilsson has his first NHL win/shutout.

Some shots against him hit the crossbar, a few others he did not have his post on chances that missed the net, while others he was sharp and quick to grab the puck, and even slashed a Devil.

That was the kind of win it was for the New York Islanders, it could have gone either way.

Cannot write this up as a great dominating win by New York or any kind of sign that they played they kind of hockey where something was building in terms of season changing momentum.

Hardly. 

Home ice has certainly not been friendly in terms of winning which has been a big part of the difference in why this is not a playoff team.  

Having written all this, for a third game in four days, they had some fight in their effort and earned their two points. They started this game well and for the most part played at a high level.

Perhaps it was playing a smaller New Jersey team after seeing huge teams in Boston and Philadelphia, or it was one of those days the Devils felt they could play their system and produce against Washington, who the Islanders could not hold the lead against.

The officiating was awful on the non-calls. 

Casey Cizikas for his nine minutes, was on both ends of some hits. David Ullstrom impressed me a lot more with his effort especially driving the net in the third period after taking the puck from Kovalchuk.

Tavares could have had a hat-trick, his move in the third was like the one in the 5-2 win against Philadelphia. Moulson was robbed a few times and Parise beat him down low.

The defense gambled a few times with the pp, which started good but faded and almost cost them. They have to finish a five on three, then a four on three, and seemed satisfied with outside shots. 

Not sure what to make of Okposo's goal. If he followed it up with shifts where the Devils could not contain him or get him off the puck, I would be more impressed. That's the Kyle Okposo who was a threat to score and dominating before his injury.

Steve Staios drew a penalty, he took another Devil with standing up for his teammates. Hamonic threw a Devil down in the third clearing the crease wearing his cage. Eaton played hurt. Streit/MacDonald did all they could, and came close to scoring.

Next up three days off.