Top Shelf: Islanders Daily 2/5/14

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

It wasn’t pretty, and it wasn’t very exciting, but we got it done.

The New York Islanders walked into Washington last night needing a win, and they delivered, winning by a score of 1-0. The score tells the story of this game, a goalie battle until the final buzzer, but the Islanders were the one’s who snuck out with a big 2 points.

The team is still well out of a playoff spot, and after hearing the news about Thomas Vanek, playoffs only seem more and more distant, but last night’s win helped keep the dream alive. We saw last night what we haven’t seen virtually all season, a strong defensive performance to help steal a win. If the defense can replicate their game from last night, it gives the Islanders more of a chance of somehow cracking a playoff spot come April.

On the subject of Thomas Vanek, the current Islander had some interesting words on his time with the Islanders, which basically confirm his impending departure. In a conversation with Arthur Staple of Newsday, Vanek was quoted saying,

It’s like a breakup: It’s not you, it’s me. And it really is me wanting to explore this.I t’s just me being a little selfish, I guess, and wanting to get to July 1 and seeing what’s out there.

Vanek clearly wants out of Long Island, and at this point, it doesn’t look like GM Garth Snow can flash enough money to keep him in Long Island.

But regardless, there are still games to play for the New York Islanders, games that only get more and more important as the season dwindles. The Islanders take on a red-hot Calgary Flames team, which has won 5 of their last 6 games. With the Olypmic break rapidly approaching, wins and points are becoming vital, and the Islanders need to pick up their game if they want to salvage anything out of this season.

In Case You Missed It

Restoring Order Across Isles Twitter (Eyes on Isles)

Drew Casey With His Weekly Sound Tigers Briefing (Eyes on Isles)

Yours Truly Addresses the Thomas Vanek Situation (Eyes on Isles)

Islanders GIFS of the Week (Eyes on Isles)

Playoffs Not the Only Factor for Islanders (Eyes on Isles)

Around the NHL

• Boston Bruins 3, Vancouver Canucks 1
• New York Rangers 5, Colorado Avalanche 1
• Winnipeg Jets 2, Carolina Hurricanes 1
• Montreal Canadiens 2, Calgary Flames 0
• New York Islanders 1, Washington Capitals 0
• Florida Panthers 4, Toronto Maple Leafs 1
• Minnesota Wild 2, Tampa Bay Lightning 1
• Ottawa Senators 5, St. Louis Blues 4 (SO)
• Dallas Stars 3, Phoenix Coyotes 1

 Across the Sound

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers rebounded after their four game winning streak was snapped, notching a 3-0 victory over the Springfield Falcons. Anders Lee, Scott Mayfield, and Mike Halmo each scored a goal apiece for the team last Friday during their impressive win over the Falcons.

(For extensive Bridgeport Sound Tigers coverage, click here for EOI contributor Drew Casey’s newest Sound Tigers weekly update)