Sharpshooter

Yeah, that was just a weird time. Outside of that, we've had their number for quite awhile.

Damn. I had minor back surgery a few years ago and that freaked me out. I get nervous when we're talking spines. At least you're cohent despite being medicated. Fewer typos than @Keirikeven! Get well soon.

Then we'll be playing Carolina next. I feel the same way about them.

Not too many good moves lately for Lou, though, has really hamstrung the Islanders for the foreseeable future, I think. Those trades you mentioned were the only real good ones. I know a lot of Islanders fans haven't been happy with the job he's been doing overall the last three years or so. Getting Horvat was good, but he was traded from the Canucks just before they started becoming really good, and traded to the Islanders just when they were starting to slide down. lol

Yeah, I mentioned after that that this is a completely different team with a better mentality and coaching. I don't anticipate it happening again. lol

Yep. I think it was game two of the Toronto/Boston series that set a postseason hits record (combined) for a sixty minute game.

I hate playing games in Washington. The fans, the horns and all of the noises are really annoying.

NHL playoffs are more physical than the regular season regardless of familiarity and rivalries. There's been a ton of hitting across the board in the postseason thus far.

Oh, I know, just pointing that out. lol I really can't see that happening to this squad against this team, either.

You could be right, but I would still err on the side of caution, and just beware. They might think they're toast already and not really give a shit and just want to hurt somebody. They have lost the last two series in which they've led 2-0. Still a long way from being over. lol

They look even better than they did last season. This might be their year. If they represent the East in the Final, I don't see any team in West beating them.

Yeah, Lou really has not a very good job the last couple of years or so, and it's rearing its ugly head. Face it, this Islanders team really isn't a playoff team. Their place in the standings is because they lost a ton of overtime games. Now they're even older and a below average team, with not a ton of hope in sight. Sure, credit them for getting to that point a lot, but still, technically they lost well over 40 games and you should not be a playoff team in that case. The Islanders window was rather smaller, compared to the Rangers. Unfortunately they ran into Tampa Bay during their run. Those things happen. Winning can be about timing as well.

Definitely. His defensive play may not be appreciated by the casual fan, or someone who doesn't watch a lot of Rangers games. But the PK is as good as it is mainly because of him.

It would be something if he's in the lineup for the next series. They should have been able to beat Washington without him. No chance rushing him, give him some more time. Assuming they get by the Capitals, yeah, put him in there for Carolina. What a story that would be.

I'm sure they aren't happy about that Panarin hit, even though I didn't think it was that bad. I'm expecting them to be out for blood tonight, plus it's basically a must win game for them. Beware shenanigans.

Great to see that kind of accountability from your best players. Not that I never thought he didn't care, but it was good to see him taking last season so hard.

They're still a really good team. Peaked too early, maybe? I guess we'll find out.

It'll probably wind up being Giannone or something. lol I really hope not. Kenny is excellent. I also really like Bob Wischusen.

Indeed. Hopefully they end them in Washington this weekend.

The bullies finally being bullied back is not 'dirty'. It's karma.

Yes. They still need to sharpen up a bit, but they'll get there. Some of these mistakes you can get away with against Washington, but will get wrecked against teams like Florida and Carolina. I'm sure they will up their game when that time comes. Also, it's rich hearing that crap from their announcers when they have Oshie, Wilson, etc. Get real. lol

Indeed. I want this Panarin for the rest of his contract, not just this year. I am hopeful, as he looks like he's completely bought in and the most focused I've seen him, even in his past great seasons here.

The Capitals announcers, also known as two of the most annoying people on the planet, were screaming bloody murder about it. lol It wasn't even remotely dirty. Panarin has been great all year, but seeing him do something like that? You love to see it. Any fears you may have had about him being rag-dolled again against these guys basically went out the window in game one. Whole different mentality with him and this group.

Still a long way to go, but what's going to happen in Toronto if they lose early again? lol Geez. The Leafs remind me of the Flyers in the sense that they always seem to struggle to find goaltending. I thought Philly might have had that with Carter, but well...you know. Ersson looks like he may be a good one. Maybe Woll can be that guy for Toronto, but I really don't know. They're definitely moving on from Samsonov if he gives them more duds.

You heard he was the kind of guy that would be good for a team that is rebuilding, but I'm not even sure what exactly San Jose is doing right now. lol They kind of haven't really started rebuilding yet, or are in the super early stages of it. Getting the first overall will help.