The Skinny: Isles 3, New Jersey 2 (shootout)

The real Skinny returns in two weeks... but the Isles recorded their first-ever win at Barclays Center with a 3-2 shootout victory over New Jersey before 11,823.

The Isles grabbed a 2-0 first period lead on goals by Ryan Pulock and Colin McDonald, dominating the session in shots by an 11-3 margin, but could not hold it, as Martin Havlat and Michael Ryder each scored on a power play for the Devils.  The Devils outshot the Isles 24-11 in the 2nd and 3rd periods, before the Isles controlled the overtime by a 5-1 margin.  The skills competition followed, and Brock Nelson scored the deciding goal for the Isles.

The Scoring:

1ST PERIOD
08:21	NYI	PPG - Ryan Pulock (1) Slapshot - ASST: John Tavares (1), Anders Lee (1)	1 - 0 NYI
11:32	NYI	Colin McDonald (1) Snap shot - ASST: NONE	2 - 0 NYI
2ND PERIOD
08:08	NJD	PPG - Martin Havlat (1) Wrist shot - ASST: Andy Greene (1), Patrik Elias (1)	2 - 1 NYI
3RD PERIOD
01:51	NJD	PPG - Michael Ryder (1) Wrist shot - ASST: Peter Harrold (1), Scott Gomez (1)	2 - 2 Tie

The Shootout

John Tavares (NG), Reid Boucher (G), Kyle Okposo (G), Adam Henrique (NG), Brock Nelson (G), Martin Havlat (NG)

Random thoughts:

Devils took all three 1st period penalties, allowing Isles to build momentum.  Isles took the final four -- leading to both Devils goals, and totally changing the game. The Isles have reportedly spent no time on special teams yet...Both goalies played well.  Keith Kinkaid allowed a gimme to Colin McDonald but was otherwise sharp, including a couple of great stops in overtime.  Chad Johnson was beaten only on power plays-- if he comes close to matching his .925 save percentage and 2.10 GAA from last season the Isles will be in good shape in nets.... In addition to scoring a goal, I thought that Ryan Pulock looked pretty solid on defense.... TJ Brennan also had a strong game, paired mainly with Travis Hamonic (who played over 27 minutes)... Isles dominated the face-off circle by a 30-19 margin; at one point it was 24-7 in the Isles favor...

Rule Changes:

There have been changes to the rules regarding OT and shootouts.  The overtime is now preceded by the dry scrape -- this will add a few minutes to the overall time of games that are settled in overtime.  I really like the rule change that has the teams play the long change in the overtime session.  

There is no scrape before the shootout -- this left the ice a bit choppier than it has been in recent years.  Teams no longer name their shooters in advance,  Thus the previous short break between regulation and overtime  now occurs before the shootout.

And About Barclays:

This was the second time I have been in the building (I saw a Nets game during the NHL lockout).... Our broadcast position was quite good -- similar to where the Devils home broadcasters sit at Prudential Center.  We are essentially in the stands, which meant I got to say hello to a few loyal Skinny readers!  The off-center scoreboard did not bother me a bit and my family enjoyed their view from behind the nets.  ...  The concourses are wide, the bathrooms are clean.  A first rate facility although it will be interesting to hear about how fans felt about the views from other spots.   We were off the air by about 10:15 and I made a 10:29 direct train home.

The remainder of the pre-season schedule:

TUESDAY, SEPT. 30, 2014	BOSTON BRUINS	TD GARDEN	7:00 PM
THURSDAY, OCT. 2, 2014	NEW JERSEY DEVILS	PRUDENTIAL CENTER	7:00 PM
FRIDAY, OCT. 3, 2014	BOSTON BRUINS	WEBSTER BANK ARENA (BRIDGEPORT, CT)	7:30 PM

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick