Top-Shelf – Islanders Daily 10/7/13

Oct 5, 2013; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Islanders skate to the bench after scoring during the second period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Mondays aren’t so bad after a weekend of New York Islanders hockey.

Finally, Long Island’s hockey team returned to the ice, kicking off the highly anticipated 2013-14 season filled with high levels of excitement and expectation. So far, so good.

The Islanders came away with three out of a possible four points during opening weekend. A shootout victory over the New Jersey Devils on Friday night and a shootout loss over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night were good enough to put the Islanders in a better position than half of the NHL after two games.

It won’t be until tomorrow night that we get to see the Islanders back in action. The Phoenix Coyotes are coming to town for the first meeting between the two teams since January 7, 2012 – a 5-1 Yotes’ victory. Shane Doan scored his first NHL hat trick in that one, still the only one of his 18-year career.

In other news for Isles fans, Arthur Staple reported that Cal Clutterbuck might make his debut for said game against Phoenix. Cal, who suffered a skate laceration in the preseason’s opener, is healing faster than expected.

In case you missed it:

Arthur Staple explains that the Islanders have [mostly] positive results to show for after two games. (Newsday)

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers split their season’s opening two games. (IslandersPointBlank)

Positives and negatives from the Islanders’ opening weekend. (Islanders Op-Timism)

Dominik discusses “the little things” coaches and players talk about so often, but which often escape the highlight reel. (Lighthouse Hockey)

Two Minutes for Tweeting:

• I understand the frustration after Saturday night’s loss, but let’s try to temper the “disappointment.” Isles came away with 3 out of 4 points to start the season, just about as good as it could have got. And yeah, looking at you, Flyers.

• Fantastic crowd for opening night. Isles fans should be packing the house this season. Saturday night was close to playoff atmosphere, and Isles fans should be lining up to make the Coliseum, the Old Barn, the most intimidating place to play in the NHL. 

• Similar to the postseason exit, and in a good way. The players on the Islanders roster hate losing. They absolutely detest it. Even if this team loses, I’m willing to bet that we won’t be seeing too many extended losing streaks (past 3 games). Look for a quick start against the Yotes on Tuesday.

-CT