Top Shelf: Islanders Daily 12/18/13

Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

It’s just the same old song and dance, right?

The Islanders have done it again, folks. They go out on the ice, play a strong two periods, dictate play for a portion of the third period only to find themselves blow their lead late in the game and lose in a shootout.

It’s games like these that are most frustrating. These are the games that you just try to move over, but certainly remember what happened to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself (but that’s far too late).

Despite the frustrating loss, there were definitely positives to take out of last night’s game. For starters, Evgeni Nabokov picked up right where he left off on Saturday, playing a strong game and keeping his team relevant during their in-game struggles.

The second line of Frans Nielsen, Josh Bailey, and Michael Grabner was outstanding last night, generating multiple scoring chances including a third period goal by Frans Nielsen. Every member of the second line had at least a point in yesterday’s game, which is definitely worth noting.

So with last night’s game mercifully over, Islanders Faithful can look forward to an exciting Friday Night game against the crosstown rival New York Rangers. It should be a fun game, and as we have seen in recent years, the Islanders tend to break out of slumps when playing against their arch rivals.

Presser Points

A “Frustrated as Hell” John Tavares’ post game interview:

Coach Jack Capuano also took the time as always to talk to the media after the game, his thoughts below:

In Case You Missed It

Rich Dias Recaps Last Night’s Game (EOI)

Grabner’s Slow Start’s Unlucky (EOI)

Andy Graziano’s Islanders Christmas List (EOI)

Islanders Fans Still Have Reasons For Optimism (Islanders Op-Timism)

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