The Islanders’ roster has been filled all year with players who have been called up from Bridgeport, so perhaps it’s fitting that the AHL’s Sound Tigers will be playing their home playoff games at Nassau Coliseum.
Last night was yet another example of how minor league the Isles have been this year, as Kyle Okposo and Mark Streit sat out with strained groins. The injuries forced the callups of Trevor Smith and Sean Bentivoglio, as the team was knocked around by Montreal, 5-1, for their third straight loss in front of a crowd made up largely of Habs fans.
“Kyle and Mark are a big part of the team, but this was a disappointing effort, the first one in a while,” said Doug Weight, who got into his second scuffle in three games. “This was frustrating.”
Still, the outcome wasn’t all that bad for a team that is battling a collapsing Colorado squad for the best shot at the No. 1 overall pick this year. The three power play goals that it surrendered weren’t pretty, though.
“We’re in a situation where we don’t have to worry about those guys making mistakes because the consequences aren’t as big as they would be if we were in the playoff stretch,” said Scott Gordon, trying to make the best of his rookie season in the NHL. “If we were, then to lose your two best offensive players would be pretty devastating, but we’ll just look at some young guys.”
Fans will have a chance to see some more young players when the Sound Tigers play at the Coliseum later this month, which the team announced yesterday.
No word yet on when Isles’ playoff tickets will be available.
Canadiens 5 Islanders 1