Preview NYI at Min: Surging Islanders visit St. Paul

November 20, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

Things have been going extremely well for these rebuilding Islanders. On what’s a lengthy seven-game road swing, they have played superb hockey so far, earning six of a possible eight points. In fact, the only two points they failed to get were due to the ever cheesy skill competition which is always hit or miss. Just ask Hasan and Dev fans who had to figure they’d prevail once it went there in Music City. Sometimes, the unexpected happens.

Hopefully for Scott Gordon’s club tonight, they’ll get it done in regulation against a weird Wild club that’s dropped four straight and sits 15th out West. The frustrating aspect is that they’ve been competitive dropping three by a goal with two coming in overtime. However, a 3-2 loss to the Coyotes after returning from a three-game road trip didn’t sit well with Minny GM Chuck Fletcher, who expressed frustration with the club’s effort. Here’s part of what he said as it appeared in a Twin Cities article:

“Last night was the most disappointing game of the year. The game of hockey is essentially a game of effort. Phoenix won most of the puck battles, and to get outbattled and outworked in your own rink is a disappointment.“

How this blogger wish our ghost of a GM had the gall to echo similar about our emotionless team. Gotta wonder if it will hit home with a Wild team that’s won just seven of their first 21, due in large part to Martin Havlat (2-6-8, -14 in 19 GP) being invisible.  I should know since he’s killing my fantasy team, which otherwise is competitive. Is the lack of production due to an injury which sidelined him two games earlier or a lack of chemistry? He’s a question mark for tonight due to a “lower body injury.” Perhaps he benefited from playing around such gifted talent in The Windy City. So, it could be a combo. However, he’s certainly capable of more and failing miserably to fill Marian Gaborik’s skates.

The good news for Minnesota is they’re 5-3 at The Excel Energy Center as opposed to a miserable two wins in 13 road games (2-9-2). They should be plenty inspired. One thing is certain. Niklas Backstrom’s one of the better goalies who usually gives them a chance. So, it shouldn’t be easy for the Isles. Minnesota captain Mikko Koivu has turned it around since a slow start with eight points (2-6-8) in his last six with a plus eight rating. Saku’s younger brother is a solid two-way pivot that can play any situation while also being his team’s top threat. Last season, he posted career highs across the board:

79 GP, 20-47-67, 66 PIM, 5 PPG, 26 PPP, 4 SHG, 3 GW

Mikko needs help. Chuck Kobasew (1 G in 11 GP) has been a bust and Petr Sykora is out with a concussion. Andrew Brunette and Eric Belanger have played well as has Antti Miettinen since a slow start. He can thank the Rangers. Keep an eye on blueliners Marek Zidlicky and Brent Burns as each is capable of contributing. Cover the points. Cal Clutterbuck is a human freight train.

The Islanders will need to put their hard hats on. Brendan Witt is expected back to add some physicality to the D along with Andy Sutton, who’s playing some of his best hockey. Mark Streit has picked it up with five points (2-3-5) the past five while Jack Hillen (1-5-6, +6 in 17 GP) is quietly having a nice season. Dwayne Roloson seems to have cemented the No.1 job from Martin Biron with some quality saves, helping backstop the club to a 4-2-2 record this month.

While it’s no surprise that prize rookie John Tavares is leading the offense with 19 points (9-10-19) including a club best four power play goals and 10 PP points, he’s gotten help from buddy Matt Moulson, who has been a gem pacing them with 10 goals while trailing JT91 by a point. It’ll be a special return for St. Paul’s own Kyle Okposo, who played a year for the Golden Gophers before turning pro. Since returning from the swine flu, he’s 2-1-3 in three contests. Perhaps the talented 21 year-old is ready to emerge.

Also contributing nicely have been Frans Nielsen, Richard Park and Trent Hunter, who’s netted three goals and a helper with a plus-four since coming back for the road trip. Trent’s always been a guy we admired due to his work ethic. It’s nice to see him get rewarded.

The action can be seen on MSG-+ with pregame at 7:30 and the drop of the puck after 8. An Islander win would vault them over idle rival Rangers into fourth. So, there’s plenty of incentive.