One Fan's Perspective

Last season, the New York Islanders flew into the Valley and got summarily trounced 6-3. Local fans thought that last season could just be the year only to have it all sputter out of control.

I’m sure the New York Islanders have not forgotten that night and would like nothing more to light the lamp several times against the Coyotes.

In the return engagement, one year later, the Phoenix Coyotes travel to Nassau Coliseum and hopefully the result will be the same as last year.

The Islanders might be a little fragile as they have dropped two points against the Buffalo Sabres and are on a two game home losing streak. In the ten game stretch they have gone 3-5-2 and on their latest road swing, they were able to pick up only three of eight available points

However, the Islanders do have a winning record at home where they 9-5-1.

The Coyotes, on the other hand, have been decidedly average in the same ten game stretch running 5-5. They are a better road team, but not by much with a 8-7 record.

When the Coyotes score first, they usually win the game as they have 11 of their 13 wins when they do so. Fast starts help this team immensely and they certainly play better with the lead. The Islanders would rather score first than trail as well.

The goal differential for the Islanders in the first period is incredibly steep as they are a minus-9 where the Coyotes are a minus-5 – still not good, but better than the opposition. The Coyotes get better during the second period as they are a plus-1, but the Islanders still have had difficulty as they are a minus-4.

The Achilles’ heel for the Coyotes has been the third period as they have allowed the most goals during that frame than any other with 34.

These two teams are pretty closely matched and it should be a good game provided that the Coyotes get a good start to the contest.

However, there are other opinions, and the New York Islanders have their share of blogs as well. Even though it is not a “Islanders” blog per se, I stop at The 2 Man Advantage regularly and you should too.

Next, check out these blogs: Islanders Army and View from Section 317.

Tags: Hockey, NHL, New York Islanders, Phoenix Coyotes by pbcoyotes
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Before last season began, Curtis Joseph advised his team that bringing defenseman Ed Jovanovski to Phoenix would improve the team immensely. Since Jovanovski’s arrival, he has been linked to many trade rumors. Jovanovski spoke directly to then General Manager Michael Barnett at the trade deadline to confirm those rumors, and received the vote of confidence that they wouldn’t move him as he would have a future with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Thanks to PuckUpdate, who provided the link to On the Islander’s Beat from Newsday.com, those rumors are beginning to resurface. Earlier this week, even Spector alluded to the possibility of Jovanovski waiving his trade clause, but didn’t think the Coyotes would be able to move him during this off-season.

Should Jovanovski be moved? I don’t think so, not at this time anyway.

Granted, Jovanovski missed a large part of two seasons with abdominal injuries that required surgery. Provided he can put together a full season, he still has value to the franchise. If there is a concern for injury, Jovanovski is as much risk to the Islanders as he is for the Coyotes.

Even though the Coyotes defensive core and its prospects have been the minor strength of an ailing franchise, dealing Jovanovski at this point in the year is not, in my mind, a good idea. I think prospect Keith Yandle needs to play a year in the AHL. The Coyotes have both Matt Jones and Travis Roche with NHL experience from playing with the Coyotes, but they still need to learn a great deal more about their position; Jovanovski should be the guy to help them out.

Creating more holes on the hockey team would not help them get better.

Tags: Ed Jovanovski, Hockey, NHL, New York Islanders, Phoenix Coyotes, Trade Rumors by pbcoyotes
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There are some stories that are bigger than just one team, reminding us all that these players we evaluate, we analyze, and maybe criticize have life stories that transcend sports.

The story is about Maxim Gratchev and his father Igor. Maxim has the dream that most North American teenagers have when they first pick up a hockey stick and skate on the ice – to make it to the NHL.

For the most part, that has been Maxim’s tale, save for a very significant
difference that began the day he was born in a Siberian hospital — the same day
his mother died.

You can read more of the article here.

Maxim Gratchev was drafted by the New York Islanders over the weekend.

Tags: Hockey, Maxim Gratchev, NHL, NHL Draft, New York Islanders by pbcoyotes
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