Islanders News: 5 points for Barzal; Big Tsyp impresses
The new Russian bested the Russian goalie. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Okay, onto the real thing. They’re ready. We’re ready. That’s what you want to see as the preseason concludes. The New York Islanders fell behind 2-0 to the New York Rangers because of two flukey goals, despite the Long Islanders dominating the Short Island Smurfs. But sometimes Puck Don’t Lie, and the Islanders roared back with five unanswered goals past Igor Shesterkin, who early on looked poised to steal this game, especially after he robbed Anders Lee twice in a row on the goal line in the first period.
Mathew Barzal recorded a point on all five Islanders goals, scoring one of his own and assisting on four others. Maxim Tsyplakov scored one power play goal and was the catalyst for the other one. Bo Horvat scored twice, and Anthony Duclair notched a tally of his own. And Semyon Varlamov, who may be the starter on Thursday, looked strong.
Good morning, #IslesNation! pic.twitter.com/GAUJqfpFXR— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) October 5, 2024
Enjoy the LDSs today. I’ve strayed away in the past, and I don’t follow them nearly as closely as I follow the Islanders, but Let’s Go Mets.
Islanders News
Tsyplakov adds an excellent element to the top power play. That and other takeaways, more than three of them. [Islanders]
It’s only training camp and preseason, but Tsyplakov looks like The Real Deal. The Isles knew it from the first intrasquad scrimmage. We’ve seen it with each preseason game. It would kick so much ass if he could put up 60+ points; is that unreasonable to expect or hope for? [The Athletic | THN]
Oliver Wahlstrom got his proverbial last chance on the fourth line next to Casey Cizikas and Kyle MacLean. He showed well, and Patrick Roy loved his game. My guess is he gets the nod. [NY Post]
Grant Hutton gave Scott Mayfield the night off. He’s challenging for the seventh defenseman spot, but it will be tough to convince the Islanders to waive Samuel Bolduc. [NY Post]
Most of the players are the same, but the Islanders are a different team with a different identity this season. [Newsday]
Especially with no Matt Martin or Cal Clutterbuck on the fourth line. [Newsday]
The Islanders are raising a Puppy with a Purpose for the fifth consecutive year, a yellow lab who needs a name. [Islanders] But wait: There’s a link to vote for the name! [Vote Here]
Elsewhere
There was real regular season hockey yesterday as the Devils beat the Sabres in Prague. They’re playing again right now, too.
John Tortorella says he won’t try to turn Matvei Michkov into a checker. But it will be interesting to say the least to see how they coexist. [ESPN]
Clayton Keller will be the first captain in Utah HC history. [NHL]
Tyson Barrie will be a member of the Calgary Flames this season. [ESPN]
Tanner Pearson turned his PTO with the Vegas Golden Knights into a contract with them. [TSN]
Jack Campbell will be away from the Detroit Red Wings while he enters the Player Assistance Program. [TSN]
It’s bold prediction season because The People Demand Content, and Sportsnet predicts Ilya Sorokin will win the Vezina.
And after all the shit-talking about how the Islanders are boring, the pundits simply can’t deny that they are probably one of the eight best teams, with The Athletic writers narrowly voting them in as the eighth team in the East. I look forward to disproving that.
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