Thursday, October 23, 2008

INABILITY TO STICK TO THE SYSTEM, UNDISCIPLINED PLAY REASON FOR INCONSISTENCY

Any coach in the NHL will tell you that penalties can kill a season. Over the past several campaigns the Islanders have learned that lesson the hard way. Under Ted Nolan the Islanders took costly penalties during critical points in the game and at times W's were lost. Now that Scott Gordon has the reins it's time to institute his system and more discipline.

Unfortunately, in the first 5 games the Islanders have not learned those lessons well enough. A total of 13 penalties for the Buffalo day game cost the Islanders as the Sabres connected for 3 powerplay tallies. Now, after a 4 day layoff, it's time to get back to business against the Dallas Stars and hopefully by sticking to the system Gordon has in place, the boys will be moving their feet instead of reaching with their sticks. Powerplays can win a game, Penalties can lose one.

Notes:
Chris Campoli is in the lineup tonight after missing exactly a month with a separated shoulder. He replaces Jack Hillen in the lineup and Ricky D is in net. Let's get that pucked dropped and get the ship in the right direction! I'll be back after the 2nd with analysis and perspective.

For Questions, Comments and Bonehead Calls e-mail me at DougD84@optonline.net.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Taking Hillen out of lineup was a mistake....need more brains on the ice to avoid stupid penalties and set up our goal scorers...that's what Hillen brings.

Doug Davidson said...

I'm not so sure that Hillen is ready for the big time. Some seasoning on the 1st unit at the Bridge could do him some good. Although you will most likely see him tomorrow as Brendan Witt went down in the first and did not look particularly happy.