Top Shelf: Islanders Daily 11/8/13

James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

The Islanders took on a struggling Carolina Hurricanes team last night in Raleigh. The Hurricanes were mightily struggling in offense and goaltending, and coning into last night’s showdown, many expected a high scoring goal fest from the Islanders.

Well, the exact opposite of that transpired. The Islanders were blanked 1-0 by goaltender Justin Peters in a weak offensive showing by the Islanders. Not to say Peters didn’t play well, because he played a good game, but he really wasn’t tested much during last night’s game. The Islanders did not create any traffic in front of Peters last night. The Hurricanes were on top of their defensive play, forcing the Islanders to take poor shots. Forced shots as we all know aren’t going to find their way into the back of the net, and that’s exactly what we saw yesterday.

Despite a frustrating loss, there were positives to take out of last night’s game. For starters, Kevin Poulin continues his strong season following a 1 goal game vs. Carolina. Yes, his one goal was a sloppy one, but other than that one mistake Poulin looked great. His rebound control was solid and he did not dive across the crease once yesterday. His positioning was solid, and his play in net showed that.

Defensive call up Aaron Ness played a nice game too. He didn’t look out of place during his time on ice. While he could get more involved on the team’s forecheck, his defensive play was solid, as he served the exact role the Islanders had hoped he would last night.

After a rough last two games, hopefully the Islanders are able to turn the tides against Columbus, and who knows, maybe we’ll see Kevin Poulin get the start in net again?

-Peter (@pjmcentee)

In Case You Missed It

Rich Dias Rodrigues with last night’s EOI’s Snap Shots-Game Recap (Eyes on Isles)

Episode 8 of the Dump and Chase podcast, with special Arthur Staple now available (Eyes On Isles)

Aaron Ness Was The Most Logical Option For Islanders (Islanders Op-Timism)

Islanders Defenseman Get Their October Report Cards (Eyes on Isles)

Two Minutes For Tweeting

• Must-win situations are nothing more than fandom projection, wouldn’t you agree?  Need win. Yes. Should win, of course. No win? Try again. Patience.

• Heck, while we’re at it, let’s drudge up DiPietro and have him share in some of the blame, as well. The Islanders are who they are: young, talented, and improving. Ebb and flow is the reality of their situation.

• What can I say? The man’s got a point. No need to bash the team after 2 games. There’s still plenty of hockey to be played.

Around the NHL

• Ottawa Senators 4, Montreal Canadiens 1
• Carolina Hurricanes 1, New York Islanders 0
• Boston Bruins 4, Florida Panthers 1
• New Jersey Devils 3, Philadelphia Flyers 0
• New York Rangers 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 2
• Washington Capitals 3, Minnesota Wild 2 (SO)
• Tampa Bay Lightning 4, Edmonton Oilers 2
• Dallas Stars 4, Detroit Red Wings 3 (OT)
• St. Louis Blues 3, Calgary Flames 2
• Vancouver Canucks 4, San Jose Sharks 2
• Los Angeles Kings 2, Buffalo Sabres 0

Across the Sound

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers‘ last game was this past Saturday, a 4-3 shootout win against the Norfolk Admirals. Mike Halmo scored twice, while off-season acquisition Justin Johnson scored his first goal as a member of the Sound Tigers.

Transactions also took place this week for the Sound Tigers, as former Islander Jon Sim was signed to a twenty five day Professional Tryout Contract. Sim has yet to play a game in a Sound Tigers uniform, but should the veteran experience that is lacking down in Bridgeport.