Stephan shines as Rangers blank Jets: 3-0

There is a reason why the MSG network has been showing the ‘Beginnings’ origins TV show on each of their players, appropriately enough this week features forward Derek Stephan, who continues to shine and grow with each passing game with the Blueshirts.

Someone within the MSG brass must be a clairvoyant, because Stephan had stellar night in leading the New York Rangers (7-3-3) to a 3-0 victory over the Winnipeg Jets (5-7-2) on Sunday night hockey action. The Blueshirts have won four consecutive games in what was a six game homestand at Madison Square Garden.

Stephan combined with Marian Gaborik for two of the three goals in the game. The 21-year-old forward tallied the first New York goal on a power play opportunity at the 10:01 mark in the second period, connecting on a 19 foot wrister, which was assisted by Gaborik (6) and Michael Del Zotto (4).

New York and Winnipeg stayed stalemated until the 8:31 mark, when Stephan gave Gaborik a beauty of a pass…on a two-on-one opportunity, doubling the Rangers’ lead. In what was a hard-fought battle between the teams, the Blueshirts have skated with more heart and desire.

‘Gabby’ capped the shutout off with an empty-net goal at the 19:58 mark, to give his team a ton of momentum before going on the road. In the cage for New York was Martin Biron, who made 23 saves in his 27^th career blanking.

For Biron it was his first shutout in a Rangers uniform, and was well earned, as the guys gathered to celebrate with their keeper after the game. Marty was smart in the cage for New York, settled down the puck-as well as playing it when necessary.

The Rangers ended the homestand with a 4-1-1 record, playing with a style of hockey not seen on MSG ice in quite some time. Now the Blueshirts will look to continue their winning formula, as they head back to Canada for a Wednesday night show down with the Senators.

The game is scheduled to air on the MSG network, with the face-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Stacy Podelski

http://www.smacksportvideos.com/

Our Man in Europe Checks Out Swedish Hockey - The Blueliner Hockey Tour 2011

This year the Blueliner was on his travels again. This time to Stockholm. And was in the Swedish capital all week sampling what this city had to offer in terms of its hockey culture.  Including two games of hockey featuring the cities two arch rivals. On Tuesday was Djurgardens against Frolunda then on Thursday night AIK and Farjestad at Hovet Arena.

There was also a trip back to hockey’s routes as I visited Sweden’s Elitserien Bandy League on Wednesday as Stockholm’s third sports club (not in terms of rank) Hammarby took on Villa Lidkoping. For those of you unfamiliar with Bandy. It is a game played outdoors on a pitch about the size of a soccer field and is something similar to field hockey. In modern terms it is the game that ice hockey developed from. The rest will have to wait until Wednesday night when I should know more.

But before all that gets going. The 2011 Blueliner Hockey Tour started a little closer to home. In fact at the Altrincham Ice Dome with the Manchester Phoenix and Basingstoke Bison.

DAY 1

It is around about 15 years to the day that I first watched ice hockey. It was a 5-5 tie between the Manchester Storm and the Ayr Scottish Eagles. So returning again to see a successful Manchester side was an exciting event. The Altrincham Ice Dome may not be the Manchester Evening News Arena but the fans, noise and sport are still there. Even if there aren’t as many fans.

The game itself is not great. Manchester had started the season with injury problems and it showed as they struggled to get into any flow. Passes seemingly to someone who they thought would be there and had gone a different way.

Manchester’s opposition tonight was another team I remember fondly from my early hockey days, Basingstoke. The reason I remember them so fondly is for one save in a playoff tie. Manchester Storm had pulled goalie Grant Sjevern when Basingstoke broke away. With a seemingly empty net the shot was taken only for Grant Sjevern to have sprinted from the bench to make the diving save.

Tonight however they also seemed to be content to wait for their chances and take them and that they did. 2 break away goals shorthand and redirect on the powerplay and they win the game 3-0.

As for us it is onwards to the airport and the flight to Stockholm. Next game is a struggling Djurgarden side against Elitserien high flyers Frolunda at the Royal Court, Hovet.

DAY 2

First impressions on Sweden is one of efficiency. The airport terminal at Arlanda is right next to the runway. No travelling for an hour to a stand in middle of nowhere then getting a bus.  Transferring to the city centre too is simple on the bus transfer.

It quickly comes clear that sport is a favourite here. A walk around the local area near the hotel shows you that. The local parks have skate parks, mini rinks, soccer nets, basketball hoops and the like. A trip to the local bar also hammers this home as well. Here tho it is obvious what sport is king.

As I entered it was soccer on the large TV screens that soon changes as it approaches 7pm and the televised hockey game is put on. It is not however the Elitserien, Sweden’s top flight that is showing but a AllSvenska (Sweden’s second tier) matchup between Leksand and Mora. It is worth noting that Sweden’s answer to Don Cherry is a bit different. Not only is he blonde but takes to the ice to skate with the players as they come out.

The surprise is that the game is a lively affair played in an arena that would put 7 UK Elite League teams to shame. The attendance would too. It is massive and this is on a Monday Night. 

What does continue to amaze not only here in Sweden but in other countries in Europe is the amount of away support a team gets even in mid week. I am not sure if this is the case in Sweden but in Austria’s second tier the league arrange mid week matches according to geographical location to make it easier for fans to travel to away games. If ever there was a task for any league this was it. Get bigger attendances across the board and help clubs with increased gate receipts and would allow the league season to be shorter because mid week games could be financial viable.

For the record the game ended 3-2 in favour of Leksand.

DAY 3

Day 3 is game day in Stockholm. Tonight Stockholm’s and Sweden’s if not the world’s oldest team Djurgarden IF who were formed in 1891 is in action. Tonight they play in Hovet arena against the Frolunda Indians. 

Hovet is great hockey venue. High rows of seats over the look the large ice pad with a VIP area behind one goal with a restaurant and terrace bar area. On a wider scale Hovet forms part of the Globen group of venues that includes a Football stadium home to Hammarby, Hovet arena home to Aik and Djurgarden and the Globe Arena. 

The Globe Arena is a unique place. It is spherical and lights up at night. This area has also developed a mall although this is a little underwhelming but there is the Djurgarden club shop on the second floor down. There are a few restaurants too and a bar although this is the Hammarby bar and service in the restaurants is not great. 

The game was exciting with plenty of chances finishing 3-2 to the visitors on penalties. A likely outcome you might say as Frolunda have the second worst away record this Elitserien season whilst Djurgarden have the second worst home record. The result means that the derby game between Djurgarden and AIK which is their game in hand could still be for a playoff place. 

The main excitement could be described as the Djurgarden fans. The set up of the arena means the Djurgarden supporters club have a dedicated section in which they are allowed to stand up, chant, sing and generally make noise. It is a great concept as it encourages a great atmosphere and rewards fans who join the supporters club by giving them cheaper tickets. 

This could be something for other clubs to attempt. Any money lost in the cheaper tickets could be made back by getting more people through door because it is a better atmosphere. Tonight’s attendance was over 7500 and probably half were in the fan club. 

Some other tips that are worth bearing in mind are that on the T-Bana (Stockholm’s underground) trains on different lines may arrive at the same level of a station and that alcohol sales are controlled tightly so drinking is only allowed in special areas of the concourse and in your seat.

Tomorrow is a special day. Tomorrow is Bandy day.

DAY 4

Today again was game day but with a bit of a change pace for it is a bandy game day instead of ice hockey.

Bandy is the more traditional form of ice hockey. Played outside, 11 v 11 with 45 minute halves. The rest of the rules I am unsure of but seem similar to ice hockey. 

Tonight’s game was between reigning champions and home side Hammarby and visitors Vila Lindkoping. Hammarby are considered as the third sports club in many ways in Stockholm. This is mainly due to their relatively poor showing in the two biggest sports ice hockey and soccer. However Hammarby have one of the biggest portfolios of sporting teams including soccer, handball, floorball, bandy and even speedway. 

It somewhat of a shame that Hammarby no long boasts an ice hockey team though. After all Hovet and the Globe is in the heart of the Hammarby area of Stockholm. But following financial problems that operation ceased but a new Hammarby ice hockey team is making its way through the ranks. The fans however do not see it that way. Their enthusiasm for their part of Stockholm is obvious as much here as in any other sport with a fan club in full flow.

Bandy is played at the Zinkensdamm stadion. A multi use facility with two terraced stands along each side. It is small, compact but tidy stadium. Tickets are available on the day but it is cash only on the gate. Get there early as it does get very busy. Tonight’s game looked pretty full. There is a Hammarby club shop inside but the main club shop is on the local main road. There is also a good Irish pub on the corner near the stadium. The menu is in English and all staff speak English plus they serve good Swedish food something that seems rare in Stockholm. 

The game itself is good a more graceful form of ice hockey it could be described as were goals just come out of nowhere. It finishes 6-3 to the home side.

DAY 5

Today was the last full day in Stockholm and today’s destination was to Solna home of our third sports club of this trip to Sweden’s capital. AIK. 

Solna is to the north of the city centre and represents the largest area of any of Stockholm’s sports club. AIK are also the biggest in terms of numbers and probably the most famous outside of Sweden due to the success of its soccer team. 

In the heart of Solna is Stockholm’s biggest stadium and in many ways its present national stadium. Rosunda is home to AIK and not just in a soccer sense. The club shop and offices are also here. At present with the building of a national stadium though to the south, opposite the Globe Arena it is not clear what will happen to AIK and the Rosunda as a move will be controversial playing alongside the Soderstadion, home to Hammarby. However AIK is much more than a soccer club. Hosting several organisations including handball, floorball, volleyball and even a golf club as well as its ice hockey team. 

The latter of course has already made the move south to the Royal Court, Hovet, and the Globe arena. It is here where AIK took on Farjestad in the Elitserien. Neither team have set the league on fire this season with Farjestad just about in the final playoff place and AIK three places below in the relegation zone. But just two points higher than AIK are Djurgarden making tonight’s match up even more important for Sweden’s black and gold, AIK. A win could send Djurgarden into the relegation zone going into the game on the 14th between the two at the Globe Arena.

There are two things that strike you as different when you arrive here to watch a different home team. Firstly follows on from something that Dave Simms said about teams in the UK. That some teams just try harder to get you in. It appears that way here. AIK tonight have gotten less VIP’s. Indeed the restaurant level at Hovet does not appear to have anyone in it yet on Tuesday both that level and the upper bar level were full. Also the merchandising is smaller, the kids zone that Djurgarden put on with air hockey tables is non existant and the banners instead of hanging in the rafters are drapped over the barriers at the bottom of the stands. The fan zone too is much smaller. There are number of reasons why this can be the case. Top of the list is that hockey is not the top priority it is for Djurgarden as soccer is probably that. One thing is for sure there are fewer people here.

The second thing that I did not notice on Tuesday is segregation. The away fans today have a separate entrance and are blocked off on the concourse and in the stadium. There are still away fans elsewhere but there is more of a definite different area tonight. Perhaps it is because of the reputation that has come with AIK fans for fighting but I have only ever heard of this when they play Djurgarden. What is probably more the case is number of factors. One is that due to the passionate nature of fans in Sweden it creates a better atmosphere when they are separated and two is down to the fact that a team’s fan club can sell away tickets. The second is something that clubs should do as it would be easier to combine sales with travel and offset costs and so result in more travellers, high attendances and atmosphere because of it. That does not explain the presence of police inside the arena though and they are not just the ones who got bored outside waiting for the concert at the globe and the hockey at Hovet to finish.

The fans tonight may not be as numerous as the previous night but they still love their sports club highlighted by the reception for the guest of honour AIK football team. 

The game itself is a feisty, end to end affair that almost ended in a bench brawl. As it was AIK held on for 3-2 win and with Djurgarden coming back from a 2 goals down only to lose 3-2 AIK only leapfrogged MODO who lost in their game and their arch rivals to lay 3 points off the Farjestad and the play offs.

DAY 6

Well folks that was that. As I head back to the airport the Blueliner tour is over with for at least another year. Stockholm has been great. It is a place that loves its sports whether it is soccer, hockey, bandy or any of the other sports the clubs of this city play. It is also a place of history, beauty and passion. Its people love their city and love their team. If you want to go anywhere to see a hockey game I would recommend here. It is easy to get around, good fans, good pubs, good places to eat.

So what next? It is unsure whether there will be a tour next calender year but rest assured that is for good reason. For in 2012/ 2013 season the Blueliner Hockey Tour will head to the NHL and the city of Vancouver.

- Neil Tucker

 www.bluelinehockeyblog.wordpress.com

ROUND UP OF UK HOCKEY ACTION (NOV 5th and 6th)

Elite League

Nottingham 1 Cardiff 3

It was a full round of games in the Elite League on Saturday Night with every team in action. The game of the night was expected to be in Cardiff where the Devils took on the Nottingham Panthers. It was the Devils who opened the scoring in the first period though Cardiff stalwart Max Birbraer but both sides failed to convert any more chances until the third period.  A double from Cardiff through Birbraer and Smith sealed the win for the Welshmen but Nottingham did spoil come away with a last minute consolation goal through David Alexandre Beauregarde.

Belfast 1 Braehead 4

The upset of the night was to come up in Glasgow on Saturday night. The league leaders were the favourites at the Braehead Arena but a first period triple by the home side from Bruce, Bayrack and Galbraith put the Clan in a commanding position. The Giants however did continue to press; finishing the night with 37 shots, but could only pull the one goal back in the second period. Bannister’s goal with 2 minutes to go sealed the victory for the Braehead Clan.

Sheffield 3 Hull 2

With both Nottingham and Belfast dropping points the Steelers ensured they kept the pressure on

by taking the 2 points at Hull. It was not an easy task however and the Sheffield side were pushed all the way by a resurgent Hull team. Hull opened the scoring in the first through Watkins but goals from Clark and King gave Sheffield a lead into third. But when Hull levelled through player coach Sylvain Cloutier it looked as through OT was looming but Clark again found the twine with 10 seconds left to send the Sheffield Steelers home with the points.

Dundee 3 Fife 2

The Elite League new boys Fife entertained their Scottish Rivals in Kirkcaldy but things were not going the way of the Flyers. Dundee took control of game and held a 3 goal lead till late in the third when a Cohen and Hamilton brace pulled the home side to with touching distance of a third. But the Stars held on to take the spoils back up the road to Dundee.

Coventry 8 Edinburgh 3

Over the Forth in Murrayfield the inconsistent Blaze looked to bounce back from a poor showing last weekend. That was exactly what they did. Fussey, Neil and Farmer combined to send the Blaze in 3 -1 ahead at the first intermission. A second from Neil and Kralj secured that position in the second as the Blaze lead 5-2 going into the third. Fussey then got his second and a brace from Guthrie ensured Coventry heading back to skydome with the points.

English Premier League

Manchester 3 Sheffield 2

The Manchester Phoenix headed over the Pennines to face their Yorkshire rivals in the unfamiliar situation of being below them in the standings.  Goals from Hand and Cingel gave the away team the lead before hotshot Janis Ozlins pulled one back before the break. Harabin on his return from injury put the visitors 3 -1 ahead before former Phoenix center Greg Wood pulled the Steeldogs within 1. There was plenty of aggression from both sides who meet again on Thursday Night in Altrincham.

Elsewhere in the EPL there wins for Slough Jets who remained at the top, Telford and Milton Keynes.

EPL Results

Manchester Phoenix 3 Sheffield Steeldogs 2

Telford Tigers 6 Bracknell Bees 5

Peterborough Phantoms 3 Basingstoke Bison 4

Guildford Flames 4 Milton Keynes Lightning 6

UK Round Up 6^th November

Fife 2 Nottingham 3 (APS)

The Fife Flyers and the Nottingham Panthers met in Nottingham for the first time in the National Ice Centre despite the two sides being two of the oldest in the British game. The contrasting fortunes of the two teams so far this season were not apparent here. Nottingham took the first period lead through Champagne and Francis but goals in the second and third from Fife ensured the Flyers headed home with a point.  The extra point being decided by the Panthers on penalties. Nottingham will however be kicking themselves that they did not wrap up the game earlier as they racked up 77 shots on their opponents. Fife incidentally had 11.

Belfast 3 Coventry 4 (APS)

Belfast’s road trip continued as they headed to the Skydome Arena to play a Coventry side that had shut out the Giants in their own barn 2 weeks earlier. After a loss in Dundee the previous Belfast looked to get their title challenge back on track but found themselves 2 down as Kralj bagged a brace in the first 5 minutes. Doucet had made it 2-1 but Robert Farmer gave the Blaze a 3-1 lead at the end of the first. Goals from Lloyd and Garside either side of the second intermission evened the scores and sent the game to penalties with Coventry picking up the extra point for a 4 point hall on the weekend.

Edinburgh 1 Sheffield 6

Edinburgh returned to the steel city following from their disastrous trip their last season. Things looked bad for a Capitals side that shipped 18 goals in one game in Sheffield last season when Legue and Esders scored but Jarolin made sure that Edinburgh travelled by one at the break. It was not however to stay that way as Squires, Legue and Sarich made it 5 -1 and Clark’s goal in the third gave the Steelers a 4 point weekend to move them within 4 points of the Giants with 4 games in hand.

Elite League Challenge Cup

Cardiff 2 Hull 2

There were two games in the Challenge Cup on Sunday both of which ended in a tie. Cardiff had Gerard Adams to thank as he levelled up the scores in the last minute of time. There were unsavoury scenes after the final hooter as Brad Voth became embroiled with the Hull players and was escorted from the ice by the officials.

Braehead 2 Dundee 2

The Clan travelled to Stars on the back of their victory over the league leaders the night before. Tonight however they could night repeat that magic as Ceman and Mitchell put the home team ahead only for McPherson’s third period goal to mark a comeback for the visitors.

English Premier League

Milton Keynes 3 Guildford 4 (OT)

The Guildford Flames avenged their defeat the night before with a tight victory over the Lightning. The sides had met 24 hours previously in Milton Keynes with Lightning taking the points but Dixon’s goal at 1.13 into the extra period ensured it was the Flames who got the victory.

Swindon 3 Slough 0

Slough’s seven game winning run ended with a shut out at the hands of the Wildcats. The Cats continued their promising start by ending the league leaders run but Slough stay top.

EPL Results

Milton Keynes 3 Guildford Flames 4 (OT)

Swindon Wildcats 3 Slough Jets 0

Bracknell Bees 8 Peterborough Phantoms 5

Sheffield Steeldogs 7 Telford Tigers 5

- Neil Tucker

 www.bluelinehockeyblog.wordpress.com

GETREALHOCKEY IS LOOKING FOR FANTASY HOCKEY BLOGGERS

We are working very hard on getting Get Real humming and we are looking to expand our product offering.  We want to bring onside some fantasy hockey league bloggers.

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It is all about branding Get Real.  We are submitting our Get Real theme song to Itunes.  If you turn up your speakers and click this link you will hear the song.

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Our Facebook is a little slow but we are working on it. Check out the link below and if you want to blog for us; please email us @ getrealhockey@gmail.com.

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BRUINS AND HABS - ONE STEP FORWARD AND TWO STEPS BACK

This has been one hell of a season so far in the NHL.  The Oilers are ripping it up and knocking down giants and the Maple Leafs are giving fans in the Queen City something to cheer about.  Power house teams like the Red Wings and Capitals have seesawed between brilliant games and prolific collapses.  The uncertain and surprising play is spread all over the league and Montreal and Boston are glowing examples of expect the unexpected.

Everything can turn on a dime; on any given night.  Just last night; the Leafs imploded in front of a Bruins team which had been mired in a slump all year.  The current Stanley Cup champs beat up on Toronto by a score of 7-0.  Boston which had been asleep all year demolished Toronto in an orderly and systematic manner.  I would like to say that this was a turning point for Boston but I suspect this was a flash in the pan.  These guys need more hustle and Tyler Seguin should not have that burden thrust upon him at this juncture in his career.  Seguin has proven to be an unlikely role model for the veterans on the squad.  We think Boston misses Recchi and Ryder more than they thought.  This win against Toronto is good news for the Bruins but they are far from being out of the woods.  If we don't see follow through by the B's for at least the next few games; fans in Beantown could be in for a very long winter. 

The Habs succumbed to the Rangers on Saturday in another poor offensive showing.  In the first period they only got three shots on the opposition.  No one is a serious threat in the NHL when you only manage three shots in a period.  Carey Price was off but then again he is streaky in his play.  The Habs need a win streak that last more than a week to be considered a serious threat in their division.  Just like the Bruins; the Habs suffer from one step forward, two steps back.  Montreal has all sorts of holes so we are not too optimistic about the chances for this year's edition of the Habs.

It is too bad that great hockey markets like Boston and Montreal have seen such bad hockey this year.  The bandwagon for the these franchises will have few followers until playoff time.  That is of course; assuming the Bruins and Habs make the playoffs.  The one step forward two steps back scenario will only get worse as the other teams get sharper.  It is going to be a long year so stay tune and buckle under. 

BLOODY BRILLIANT - GRH TO COVER BRITISH HOCKEY

Looks like we are on the move again.  Getrealhockey is getting ready to send the troops into the field and cover British Ice Hockey.  We have received many inquiries from fans in the UK and Europe in regards to the beautiful game and the teams which play it ; in England.  Our team is happy to report that we have folks in London, Manchester, and Coventry.  We expect to get blog entries from them next weekend on the most important games played across the pond.

If you would like to be part of that team and you have an interest in blogging for GRH on British hockey; please email us @ geteralhockey@gmail.com.  

P.A. party as Isles earn 5-3 victory over Washington

The New York Islanders (4-5-2) earned a 5-3 victory over the Washington Capitals (9-3-0) in Saturday night hockey action.  Snapping a six game losing streak, the Isles changes in lines turned out to be a key to success for the guys.

“We had to do something over the last few games,” head coach Jack Capuano said after the game. “I think they saw it coming, our guys knew something had to be done. We did a lot of good things and I give credit to the guys and their work ethic.”

It was a game of momentum changes, as both the Islanders and Caps controlled certain points of the game. The Islanders played an inspired game in front of 14,812 in attendance, with a good majority being from our armed forces.

Prior to the game New York took time to celebrate the men and women of the military, as the team took to the ice wearing camouflage warm-up sweaters.  

Washington took momentum of the game when at the 5:24 mark in the first period, when Joel Ward (4) connected on a 24 foot wrister on a rebounded shot for the first goal of the game. The momentum stayed with the Capitals when Alexander Oveckin (6), pulled a Play Station-esque move at the 18:41 mark for the 2-0 lead.

New York completely took over the game in the second period of play when Frans Nielsen tallied a 13 foot backhanded shot, to start the Islanders comeback effort.  Setting Nielsen up on that goal was P.A. Parenteau (8) who had a great connection with his new line all game long.

“I think a little change never hurts,” Parenteau said. “New lines were the way to go, mix it up a little bit. It worked out tonight; and hopefully we can keep it going for a while.”

Capuano had this to say of the new line, “I like the way that they played tonight, Frans (Nielsen) has great playmaking ability. They generated offensive opportunity, and they were able to help us get two points tonight.”

Brian Rolston recorded his first goal as an Islander, and the 366^th of his career on a wicked sniper shot at the 16:55 mark to tie the game up at 2-2, as Nielsen and Parenteau assisted on the second goal.

“It was a pleasure playing with those guys tonight,” Rolston said. “The line change definitely paid off in that matter. I feel real comfortable with those guys. Obviously Frans is good at both ends of the ice, and it is a pleasure to play with him, as well as PA-who had a huge night for us.”

With the AC/DC song ‘Shook me all night long’ blaring over the public address system, and Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum rocking, Matt Martin (2) gave the Islanders the lead at the 6:28 mark of the third period of play.

Throughout the home stretch Martin has been one guy that has impressed the fans, giving extra effort and hustle in every game he has played.  The forward was rewarded for his extra effort, by tipping-in a 10 foot shot, which gave the Islanders the lead at the time.

“We had four even strength goals tonight,” Martin said. “That’s something that hasn’t come easy for us lately, and we have to build off that. We just have to keep throwing pucks on net, keep crashing the cage. If you look at almost every goal except Rolston’s they were pretty close to the crease. That’s something we have to continue to work on.”

Washington went ahead in the game, and regained momentum when Brooks Laich (2) scored on a power play opportunity at the 9:12 mark.  The Islanders continued to skate, and fight for two points, when a gritty Parenteau put in the game-winner at the 18:14 mark.

When asked about the play of Parenteau as of late Capuano had this to say, “Everyone has more to give on this team, the thing with tonight is that P.A. played determined. He played well with his other line, and he did so again with Fransie and Rolie-credit to him for playing hard.”

Capping off the game was an empty-net goal from John Tavares, to now give the team positive momentum before going on a long road trip. Helping on the fifth goal of the game was keeper Rick DiPietro, who also recorded his first win of the 2011-12 seasons.

“Ricky gave us a chance to win the game,” Capuano said of his keeper after the game. “He made some saves, and kept us in the game.”

Starting on Monday, the Islanders will head to Boston for a showdown with the reigning Stanley Cup Champions. The game is scheduled to air on the MSG network, and the face-off is slated for 7:00 p.m.

Stacy Podelski

http://www.smacksportvideos.com/