Top Shelf : Islanders Daily 10/27/2013

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Islanders could not follow-up a strong road win in Pittsburgh, falling to the Philadelphia Flyers last night at Nassau Coliseum 5-2 in what could only be described as a weak effort.

As the season continues to roll forward it is only 11 games in, but the inconsistency is maddening for the fan base, media and I am sure equally for the players and coaching staff.

It is widely assumed that a day off awaits them today after two games in two nights as they prepare to take on the rival New York Rangers on Tuesday, followed by Ottawa and Boston to close out next week before hitting the road on an extended trip for the first time this season.

Kevin Poulin was adequate and clearly the loss cannot be blamed on him. I would think a goaltender could not possibly be at their sharpest playing only one game every week and a half.

Frans Nielsen continued to be the Islanders most valuable player through the first section of games, potting a shorthanded goal to go along with his usual outstanding play in all three zones. Too bad many on the roster that dressed for this game did not get the memo.

Alas, the players have been programmed to have a much shorter memory that fans we must hope and they move on quickly from another Saturday night sleeper at the Nassau Coliseum. There is not much time in the 82 game season to dwell on such performances.

I will be working on a column later recapping my night at the Coliseum with some quotes from Jack Capuano, John Tavares and Andrew MacDonald from what was a very sober locker room afterwards.

In Case You Missed It

• Reagan King recaps last night with Snap Shots, our version of the post-game report (EOI)
• Chris Triantafilis on why Jack Capuano should stay (EOI)
• Towel Tuesday : Take Back The Barn (EOI)
• Eric Bordin with a good piece posted after Pittsburgh and before Philadelphia, sadly (EOI)
• He’s back!!!! Rick DiPietro signs tryout deal with Charlotte Checkers (Eye On Sports)
• The Lighthouse shines on Corsi after 11 games (LHH)

Two Minutes For Tweeting

• You should come watch at my house Joanna….wife and son Rangers fans, myself and daughter Isles fans. It does make for an interesting night. ?

• Whatever you think of him, can’t discard the good years Streit gave this team and his effort as captain. Last contract of his career, he went for the money. You would have also.

• Need I say any more than Brian has already? Islanders MVP through 11 games is not wearing #91 right now.

• Yes we do Matt. Stick by them we shall. The inconsistency is painful but we had to have expected this right? Right? [crickets]

Around The NHL

• Phoenix 5, Edmonton 4
• New Jersey 4, Boston 3
• Toronto 4, Pittsburgh 1
• San Jose 2, Montreal 0
• Rangers 3, Red Wings 2 (OT)
• Tampa Bay 3, Buffalo 2
• Winnipeg 2, Dallas 1 (SO)
• Minnesota 5, Chicago 3
• St. Louis 6, Nashville 1
• Calgary 5, Washington 2

Across The Sound

A 4th straight loss for the baby Islanders now as Bridgeport loses in Syracuse 5-0. You can catch the recap right here at the Tigers official web site.

Under Scott Pellerin, the Tigers have managed to score only 12 goals in their first 6 games while allowing 25. They are back in action on Wednesday in Hartford for a 7pm start time.

So yeah, not a good night organizationally.