But: Duclair and Barzal looked good together!
The Islanders scored at 6-on-5 (delayed penalty) last night to make it 4-1, then gave up a couple 6-on-5 goals to blow their lead and lose 6-4 (EN) in regulation at the Garden on Short Island. Quite the turn of events that don’t matter in the slightest. Patrick Roy said afterward that playing against the sixth attacker needs work, though it’s not something they’ve touched yet in camp. (It should be obvious though.)
I’m more tickled that I completely forgot the Rangers had the best record in the league last year? Really? I actually put more stock in the President’s Trophy than most fans — I think being atop the league after six months playing everyone is as equally admirable as winning best-of-sevens against four increasingly weary opponents.
But then if you tell me the Rangers’s roster was that team last year, my whole belief system collapses and I’m considering following professional golf instead.
Islanders News
- Anthony Duclair was looking good and making a bit of magic with Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat. Patrick Roy is hoping to find balance in the Force, er, lines. [Newsday]
- Three takeaways? Sure, there are. [Isles]
- Like the top line scoring some and building some preseason chemistry. [Post | THN]
- Mat Barzal, Hudson Fasching and Patrick Roy do the post-game scrums. [Isles video]
- Scott Mayfield wreaked some havoc, delivering a clean hit, answering the bell, with both his opponents leaving the game for repairs. [Post]
.@NYIslanders legend Kenny Jönsson is being honoured by a massive tifo before the game against Frölunda. #Isles pic.twitter.com/xJOR102FSn
— Patrik Bexell (@Zeb_Habs) September 24, 2024
Elsewhere
- Gary Bettman says whoa, whoa, pump the brakes on those expansion rumors. [TSN]
- A little more on why ol’ friend First-Line Nikolay Kulemin is attempting an NHL comeback after four years in the KHL. (Ultimately: He’s back here for his kid to play hockey.) His legs are still massive, Grabovski says. [Athletic]
- Meanwhile, Phil Kessel is open to a PTO if only someone would give him one. [TSN]
- As the Sabres head to meet the Devils in Europe, Owen Power is excited about Germany and the Czech Republic and I guess he’s gonna blog about it. [NHL]
- Jeremy Swayman is still holding out for an eight-year deal. [TSN]
- Old friend Al Montoya helps the Stars reach Hispanic audiences in the Dallas area. [NHL]
- The Church of Latter Day Hockey is here! Utah celebrates its first-ever home (preseason) game. [NHL]