The Skinny: Isles 3, Rangers 0

"The Skinny"

By Eric Hornick

Game 59

Isles 3, Rangers 0   

Jaroslav Halak became only the 2nd goalie in Islander history to stop at least 50 shots in a shutout and Mathew Barzal assisted on all three goals, including Jordan Eberle's 20th, as the Islanders blanked the Rangers 3-0 before a sellout crowd of 15,795 at Barclays Center.

It's the Isles' first shutout since Halak blanked Carolina on April 6th in Raleigh and their first shutout on home ice since Thomas Greiss blanked Dallas 3-0 last January 19th in Doug Weight's coaching debut.

Eberle reached the 20-goal mark for the 6th time in his career; 16 of his 20 goals have been assisted by Barzal.  Barzal recorded his 7th three-point game of the season and (per Elias Sports Bureau) became only the second rookie in Islander history with four three-assist games.

The Isles were outshot 50-35; it's only the sixth time in franchise history that they have allowed at least 50 shots at home and the first time that they have allowed at least 50 shots in consecutive games.

 

The Scoring: 

1ST PERIOD

04:53 New York PPG - Josh Bailey (15) ASST: Nick Leddy (26), Mathew Barzal (44) 1-0

2ND PERIOD

15:06 New York Jordan Eberle (20) ASST: Nick Leddy (27), Mathew Barzal (45) 2-0

3RD PERIOD

03:57 New York Thomas Hickey (3) ASST: Mathew Barzal (46), Anthony Beauvillier (7) 3-0

The Skinny 

The Isles are 13-18-4 in their last 35 games … Including shootout winners, the Isles have scored 197 goals in the first 59 games (first time since 1993-94 when they had 199) and allowed 214 goals (highest since 1995-96, when they allowed 223) … The Isles have allowed at least 35 shots in fifteen straight home games and Jaroslav Halak has faced at least 35 shots in fourteen straight home starts … The Isles have scored 25 of their 41 power play goals at home…Mathew Barzal now has 46 assists, one behind Josh Bailey for the club lead…Entering play tonight, Brock Boeser was the only other rookie with at least 46 points…The win is the Isles 1st in the last four games when they led after the first period (1-2-1)…This was the latest in the season the Isles had gone without a shutout since the 2008-09 season, when they also recorded a shutout in their 59th game…Josh Bailey scored his 121st goal (tying Duane Sutter for 19th) while playing in his 694th Isles game (tying Brent Sutter for 8th place)…Jason Chimera was a healthy scratch, ending his 245 consecutive-game streak; Chimera had played in all 140 Islander games over the last two seasons…Nick Leddy had two assists; he has points in six of the last seven games (3-4-7)…Thomas Hickey's goal gave him 100 career points (20-80-100); both of his goals against the Rangers this season have gone in off Ranger defenders…The Isles are 3-3-1 in February while the Rangers are 2-6-0…Barzal and Bailey are now tied for 2nd in the team in scoring; they are one point behind John Tavares. The Isles trio are 11th and tied for 12th in the NHL in scoring…The Rangers have been held to one goal or less 10 times this season.

Barzal vs. Blueshirts

Barzal has a point in each of the last six periods against the Rangers and is 3-6-9 in three games this season. He is the first rookie with nine points against the Rangers since Sidney Crosby (5-5-10 in 2005-06) and is the first rookie with six assists against the Rangers since Vladimir Malakhov (7 assist in 1992-93).

What a Good Helper!

Since January 8th, when he had five points at Madison Square Garden, Mathew Barzal has 23 points, leaving him tied with Sidney Crosby for 2nd in the league lead in points (Evgeni Malkin has 24).  Barzal has an NHL-leading 20 assists in that span, one ahead of Crosby. 

Blanking Rangers

This was the Isles' 7th shutout of the Rangers. Jaroslav Halak is the first Isles goalie with two career shutouts against the Rangers.

17-Dec-75 @ NYR 3 0 W B. Smith

9-Dec-89 Vs NYR 0 0 T M. Fitzpatrick

23-Mar-95 Vs NYR 1 0 W T. Soderstrom

4-Apr-98 Vs NYR 3 0 W TEAM (Salo/Flaherty)

26-Dec-06 Vs NYR 2 0 W R. DiPietro

13-Jan-15 @ NYR 3 0 W J. Halak

15-Feb-18 Vs NYR 3 0 W J. Halak

Beating the Rangers

Jaro Halak is the 4th goalie in Islander history with 10 wins for the Isles against the Rangers:

• Billy Smith 27-18-4

• Chico Resch 12-10-1

• Rick DiPietro 11-13-2

• Jaroslav Halak 10-3-0

Halak also has the lowest goals against average of any Isles goalie (minimum 5 games) against the Rangers: 

• Jaroslav Halak 2.21

• Evgeni Nabokov 2.61

• Tommy Salo 2.67

• Wade Dubielewicz 2.68

• Chris Osgood 2.78

First Times in an Unbelievably Long Time

The Isles won a game by shutout in which they allowed at least 50 shots for the first time since January 16, 1990 vs. Vancouver but that seems like yesterday compared to the Rangers losing by shutout in regulation in a game they had at least 50 shots for the first time since November 14, 1959 vs. Detroit (Gordie Howe had 3 points in that game).  The Rangers had 51 shots in a 1-0 shootout loss to New Jersey in 2010.

Lots of Shots (Against)

The Isles allowed at least 50 shots for the second consecutive game, and a franchise-record fourth time this season.  It was only the 6th time in Islander history that they have allowed at least 50 shots on home-ice.  Glenn Healy is the only goalie to face more shots than Jaroslav Halak in an Islander shutout win (51 on January 16, 1990 vs. Vancouver)

The Isles have allowed at least 19 shots in a period in each of the last three games.

Lots of Rubber for Jaro

Jaroslav Halak stopped all 50 shots he faced; since December 1st, Halak has faced 1016 shots.  This is 122 more than any other goaltender in that span (Henrik Lundqvist has faced 894). 

Barzal Is Highest Scoring Isles Rookie in 40 Years

Mathew Barzal passed David Volek and became the third highest-scoring rookie in Islander history: 

Most Assists by an Islander Rookie

1. Bryan Trottier 63 1975-76

2. Stefan Persson 50 1977-78

3. MATHEW BARZAL 46 2017-18 

Most Points by an Islander Rookie

1. Bryan Trottier 95 1975-76

2. Mike Bossy 91 1977-78

3. MATHEW BARZAL 62 2017-18 

Over the last 10 seasons, Artemi Panarin (then with Chicago) is the only rookie with more assists than Barzal's 46.  Panarin finished his campaign with 47.  (Nicklas Backstrom had 55 assists and Patrick Kane had 51 assists in 2007-08.)

Countdown to 50

Josh Bailey has 47 assists and Mathew Barzal has 46. No Islander has had 50 assists since John Tavares reached the mark in 2011-12; Pierre Turgeon is the only Islander to exceed 50 assists in the last 28 seasons (74 in 1992-93 and 56 in 1993-94).

One and (Usually) Done

The Isles are 16-2-1 this season when leading after one period.  Their February 5th overtime loss to the Predators ended a 19-game winning streak when scoring first and their February 11th regulation loss to the Flames ended a 22-0-2 streak dating back to last season in which they have earned points.

 

Five's Alive

The Isles have scored at least five goals ten times at home (9-1-0) and seventeen times overall (16-1-0). The Isles have also scored two shootout winners for a fifth goal of the game (not included above). The Isles scored five goals (including shootout winners) in only 10 games all last season.

Five's Trouble

The Isles have allowed at least five goals eight times at home (1-5-2) and sixteen times overall (1-13-2).  

First Things First

The Isles have scored first 24 times this season (18-5-1). The Isles won the first eleven times they scored first this season and had won a franchise-record 16 straight dating back to last season.

First Goal 

The Isles are 18-5-1 when they score first and are 10-20-5 when they allow the opening goal. 

This Year vs. Last Year

The Isles are 28-25-6 (62 points) this season; they were 28-21-10 (66 points) through 59 games last season.

Lots of Wins

Jaroslav Halak record his 230th career win; he is tied with Corey Crawford and Martin Biron for 62nd on the all-time NHL win list; Chico Resch owns 231 NHL wins.

Fastest to 50

Doug Weight is now 52-37-10 as an NHL coach. On February 3rd vs. the Blue Jackets, he reached 50 wins faster than any coach in Islander history:

Fewest Games to 50 Wins by an Islander Coach:

93 – Doug Weight (50-34-9)

98 – Ted Nolan 2006-07 & 2007-08 (50-36-12)

102- Terry Simpson 1986-87 & 1987-88 (50-39-13)

103– Peter Laviolette 2001-02 & 2002-03(50-39-10-4)

106—Steve Stirling 2003-04 & 2005-06 (50-40-11-5)

The Shots

Isles       11-16-8=35

Rangers 15-14-21=50

The Isles are 7-8-3 when they outshoot their opponents, 0-1-0 when the shots are even, and 21-16-3 when they are outshot.  (The club record for wins while being outshot in one season is 25, set by the 1983-84 team)

Offside Challenges

The Isles have challenged three times and been successful twice.

10/10 vs STL Blues – unsuccessful; Isles killed ensuing power play.

10/12 @ Ana Ducks – successful

1/15 @ Mtl Canadiens – successful 

The opponents have not yet challenged an Islander goal due to an offside this season.

Home and Road

The Islanders are 28-25-6 overall; 16-10-4 at home and 12-15-2 on the road.  

The Rangers are 27-26-5 overall; 18-10-3 at home and 9-16-2 on the road.  

By Division & Conference

The Isles are 98-1 in Division games and 19-17-5 in games versus other divisions.   The Isles are 16-17-1 against the East and 12-8-5 against the West.  

Our House

The Isles are 16-10-4 at home; they are 9-8-0 against the East and 7-2-4 against the West.  All-time the Isles are 28-6-7 all-time at Barclays against the West.

In the Nets

Jaroslav Halak made 50 saves for his 42nd career shutout (and third against the Rangers).  Halak approves to 18-18-4 on the season and 17-7-0 in his career against the Rangers. 

Henrik Lundqvist made 32 saves but falls to 23-19-4 on the season and 30-20-7 in his career against the Isles. Lundqvist has more wins, losses and shutouts (5) against the Isles than any other active goalie.

Power Plays

The Isles were 1-2 on the power play in 2:11 of PP time; The Rangers were 0-3 on the power play in 6:00 of PP time.

The Isles are 17-10-2 when they score at least one power play goal and 11-15-4 when they do not.  The Isles are 16-18-2 when they allow at least one power play goal and 12-7-4 when they do not.    

Three is a Magic Number

The Isles are 26-7-3 when they score at least three goals (including shootout winners) and are 2-18-3 when they do not.  

One Goal Games

The Isles are 12-6-6 in games decided by a single goal including 3-6 in regulation. They are 6-5 in games decided in overtime and are 3-1 in shootouts.  The Isles are 4-3 in games in which an empty-net goal turns a 1 goal game into a 2-goal game.

Back-to-Backs

Including tonight, the Isles are 6-6-0 on the front-end of back-to-backs and 4-7-0 on the back-end. This back-to-backs set concludes Friday in Carolina.

Tired vs. Rested

• The Isles are 1-3-0 when both teams played the night before. 

• The Isles are 6-1-0 when they are rested, and their opponents are not. 

• The Isles are 3-4-0 when their opponents are rested, and the Isles are not.

• The Isles are 17-17-6 when both teams are rested. 

Ice-time Leaders

Isles: Johnny Boychuk (23:32); Rangers: Neal Pionk (23:04)

John Tavares led Isles forwards in ice-time (20:21) 

Face-offs

Isles 26, Rangers 32 (45%).

Brock Nelson won 4 of 8 for the Isles; JT Miller won 9 of 10 for the Rangers.

 

Face-offs by period: 1st period 8/18; 2nd period 11/21; 3rd period 7/19.

Face-offs by strength: Even strength: 23/50, Power play 3/3, Penalty kill 0/5.

Hit Count

Isles 19 (Dennis Seidenberg -4)

Rangers 23 (Cody McLeod -4)

Fights

There were no fights. Season total – 11: (Boychuk 2, Johnston 2, Mayfield 1, Cizikas 1, Chimera 1, Prince 1, Bailey 1, Eberle 1, Nelson 1).

Blocked Shots

The Isles blocked 16 shots (Adam Pelech-3). Eleven Isles blocked at least one shot.

For the Corsi Crowd 

All situations: Isles 55, Rangers 79.

5-on-5 Isles 45, Rangers 70.

5-on-5 leaders:

Isles: Andrew Ladd and Brock Nelson +2

Rangers: Three with +19

Night and Day 

The Isles are 24-25-5 in night games and 4-0-1 in matinees.  The Isles have only one matinee remaining this season: February 19th vs Minnesota (1pm).

Ironmen

Overall: Jordan Eberle 210 (including 151 for the Oilers): 

As Isles: Nick Leddy 136. Eberle, Mathew Barzal, Anders Lee, Brock Nelson and John Tavares have also played in every game this season.

Century Club

Nick Leddy is only the 6th defenseman in Islander history to play at least 135 consecutive regular season games:

1. Denis Potvin 11/29/1975-1/17/1979 262

2. Bryan McCabe 10/7/1995-2/4/1998 220 (*) (**)

3. Gerry Hart 3/1/1975-11/22/1977 198

4. Andrew MacDonald 12/19/2011- 3/2/2014 164 (**)

5. Nick Leddy 10/23/2016 – CURRENT 136

   Janne Niinimaa 3/13/2004-1/7/2006 136 (**)

7. Ken Morrow 3/1/1980-12/29/1981 134 (*)

8. Mark Streit 10/8/2011-4/26/2013 130

9. Calvin deHaan 4/7/2016- 12/16/2017 118

10. Travis Hamonic 2/24/2012-1/12/2014 117

11. Travis Hamonic 11/24/2010– 2/4/2012 113 (*)

12. Jean Potvin 10/23/1975-1/2/1977 110

13. Kenny Jonsson 12/26/1996-2/4/1998 104

14. Thomas Hickey 4/26/2013- 11/22/2014 103

 (*) Start of NHL career.

(**) Entire career with Islanders

Scratches

(Nikolay Kulemin -IR), (Calvin deHaan-IR), (Shane Prince- IR), (Scott Mayfield - IR), Alan Quine, Jason Chimera, Sebastian Aho

Total games lost: 192

Late Heroes

The Isles have scored four times in the final two minutes of regulation to either tie or take the lead:

10/9 – STL Blues – Anders Lee (19:00); tied game, but Isles lost in shootout

12/7 – PIT Penguins – Brock Nelson (18:50); tied game, but Isles lost in overtime

12/27- BUF Sabres – Josh Bailey (18:51); tied game, and Isles won in overtime

2/9 – DET Red Wings – Josh Bailey (18:11); took lead, Isles allowed tying goal but then won in overtime.

Late Goals Allowed

The Isles have allowed a goal five times in the final two minutes of regulation to either tie or win a game:

12/16 – LA Kings – Anze Kopitar (19:47); tied game, but Isles won in overtime

12/21—ANA Ducks – Rickard Rakell (18:45); tied game and Ducks won in overtime

2/6 – NAS Predators – Ryan Johansen (19:17); tied game and Predators won in overtime

2/9 – DET Red Wings – Mike Green (19:31); tied game but Isles won in overtime.

2/11- CLG Flames – Mathew Tkachuk (18:55); won game

7-11

The Isles have used 7 defensemen three times this season (10/19 @NYR, 10/21 vs SJ, 1/16 vs. NJ) and are 2-1-0 in those games.  Under Doug Weight, the Isles are 6-1-0 when they dress seven natural defensemen.

All-time Islander Leader Boards:

Games Played (skaters)

1. Bryan Trottier 1123 *** 2. Denis Potvin 1060 *** 3. Bob Nystrom 900 

…

7.  Patrick Flatley 712 *** 8. Brent Sutter and Josh Bailey 694** 10. John Tavares 646

Goals

1. Mike Bossy 573 *** 2. Bryan Trottier 500 *** 3. Denis Potvin 310 *** 4. Clark Gillies 304***

5. Pat LaFontaine and Brent Sutter 287 *** 7. John Tavares 264

…

18. Jason Blake 127 *** 19. Duane Sutter and Josh Bailey 121 *** 21 Frans Nielsen and Alexei Yashin 119 *** 23. Mark Parrish, Matt Moulson and Steve Thomas 118 *** 26. Ray Ferraro 116 *** 27. Anders Lee 113

Assists

1. Bryan Trottier 853 *** 2. Denis Potvin 742 *** 3. Mike Bossy 553*** 4. Clark Gillies 359***

5. John Tonelli 338 *** 6. John Tavares 336

…

13. Bobby Nystrom 278 *** 14. Billy Harris 259 *** 15. Tomas Jonsson 249 *** 16. Josh Bailey 247

Points

1. Bryan Trottier 1353 *** 2. Mike Bossy 1126 *** 3. Denis Potvin 1052 *** 4. Clark Gillies 663 ***

5. Brent Sutter 610 *** 6. John Tavares 600

…

13. Billy Harris 443 *** 14. Kyle Okposo & Stefan Persson 369 *** 16. Josh Bailey 367

Games Played (Goalies)

1. Billy Smith 674 *** 2. Rick DiPietro 318 *** 3. Glenn Resch 282

…

6. Glenn Healy 176 *** 7. Jaroslav Halak 164 *** 8. Roland Melanson 136*** 9. Mark Fitzpatrick 129 ***

10. Garth Snow 127 *** 11.  Evgeni Nabokov 123 *** 12. Thomas Greiss 114

Wins (Goalie)

1. Billy Smith 304 *** 2. Glenn Resch 157 *** 3. Rick DiPietro 130***4. Kelly Hrudey 106 ***

5. Jaroslav Halak 86 *** 6.  Rollie Melanson 77*** 7. Glenn Healy 66 *** 8.  Tommy Salo 62 *** 

9. Thomas Greiss 59

Season Series Stats

The Isles lead the season series three games to none (and six points to zero).  The season series will conclude on April 5th in the regular season home finale.

The Isles have beaten the Rangers six straight times and are 10-1-0 against the Rangers over the last three seasons.  The Isles remain perfect against the Rangers at Barclays Center (5-0-0).

On the Farm

Bridgeport is 23-20-5-2 heading into their game in Providence on Friday. 

Tanner Fritz (on recall to the Isles) leads Bridgeport with 37 points (10-27-37); Rookie Scott Eansor leads the team in goals with 16. Christopher Gibson is 17-11-2 in the nets with 2 shutouts.

Bridgeport hosts Hartford on Sunday afternoon.

Up Next

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16th –ISLANDERS AT CAROLINA 7:00PM 

[MSG+ (Islander pre-game at 6:30PM), WFAN 660AM/101.9FM, 88.7 WRHU-FM]

The Isles will look to sweep the back-to-back and move back into a playoff spot as they meet the Carolina Hurricanes for the third time this season.  The teams split a home-and-home series in November with each team winning in their home rink.

The Isles have not gone winless in Carolina since 2013, when they lost in a shootout in their only trip that season.

The Canes were beaten in New Jersey on Thursday by a 5-2 score.

 

Eric Hornick has been the statistician on Islander home game telecasts since 1982. Information contained in "The Skinny" has been gathered from various sources.  Follow Eric @ehornick on Twitter & on his blog www.nyiskinny.com.

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