Another game, another point for Schaefer. He was the youngest player in NHL history to get a point in his first four games, so obviously he's the youngest to get a point in his first five. I'm sure he enjoyed doing it back in Ontario for the first time, and it's nice to see the team come back three different times, and finally win it on an excellent individual effort by Lee.
Nice rebound from an 0-3 start. I still don't expect the playoffs this year, but it looks like Schaefer is the real deal. We have our future #1 franchise D-man. San Jose at home Tuesday night. Good chance to get back to .500 with a 3rd straight win.
Isles get back to .500, and Schaefer adds a goal and an assist, and is named first star. I could get used to this (I won't, but I could). Besides being the youngest to ever score in their first six games, he's the first guy to do it in 15 years (Jonathan Toews).
It's early but Schaefer looks like he is the real deal. He is only 18. Imagine what he will be as he reaches his prime over time. He is only going to get better. The defense overall is shit. That will be their downfall this year. The Sharks suck and if it was against any other team the Isles probably lose last night. Still 3-3 after an 0-3 start. Not bad. Not bad at all.
I was not expecting this from Schaefer, he’s the real deal. He’s an all star in the making, it also highlights how bad of a roster Lamorello put together. The Islanders don’t have legit scoring offensive forwards that put fear in the opposition when they touch the puck. As far as the defense is concerned, I’m sure they will tighten up as year goes on but the lack of defense is also a byproduct of forwards who are not elite, they struggle so much to clear the puck or skate out of the zone with the puck that it puts pressure on defenseman and goalie to constantly stop the other team. Streaky teams usually don’t make playoffs, I’m hoping they don’t go into a slump when they play on the road. There is light at end of the tunnel.
Dominant win for Isles, but they score 7 goals and Schaefer doesn't get a point? Shocking! Funny to see all of the Isles come racing over to protect the kid as the game ended.
Isles blow 2-0 and 3-2 leads and lose in OT. Marshall Warren (a Long Island kid, born and raised about 15 miles from my house), one-ups Schaefer, and gets two assists in his first NHL game. Sorokin still doesn't look great.
Another game in which the Isles blow a two-goal lead. Special teams continue to look awful. Sorokin continues to be a joke. Hope the team didn't peak when they were up two goals in the last game!
This season will have moments that excite us for what will hopefully be coming and moments that remind us what they are now.
Feel the same way. I don't expect the playoffs this season but as Darche continues to build through the draft and build up the farm system (which he said was most important when he was hired) you will see the core of this team change over the next few years. Schaefer is already a great young player to build around but the Isles need a lot more if they are ever going to contend for the Cup.
Another "great" night by the defense. I am excited about the future as they are finally rebuilding by building up the farm system, but this year is looking like it will be a painful one.
Much better game for the boys, especially in the second and third periods. Nice to see Sorokin actually have a good game. Now back to Long Island for three, before off on a 7-game road trip.
I knew a youth movement was going to create some ups and downs but man this is a lot of up and down so early in the season. I think they should focus on being a good defensive team first like Trotz did and slowly open up the offense. Ripping off the bandaid is going to make for a wild ride.
Isles with two goals in 29 seconds in the last 67 seconds of the third period to win it 3-2 over a tough CBJ team! Schaefer with two goals.
Fantastic interview with Schaefer on NHL on TNT Face Off tonight. He really seems to be a remarkable combination of enthusiastic kid and mature adult, and he's also very funny. The first person who asked him a question was Henrik Lundqvist, and his immediate response was to jokingly complain about a Ranger asking the first question when a Long Island boy (Liam McHugh) was right there. Mad props to the kid for already knowing the score (which McHugh immediately acknowledged, and Lundqvist also endorsed).
Nice 5-0 win over the Rangers on Saturday night. Good start to the 7-game road trip. Another tough one tonight at NJ. If the Isles can manage 3 wins on this road trip, then I will consider that a success. They are playing some really good teams coming up.
