"The Skinny"
By Eric Hornick
Game 54
Isles 4, Colorado 3 (overtime)
Ryan Pulock scored goals in both the third period and overtime as the Isles rallied from a 2-0 deficit for a 4-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche before 14,216 at Barclays Center.
It's the sixth time this season that the Isles have erased a 2-0 deficit to win, including a franchise-record five consecutive comebacks from being down 0-2.
The Isles are 8-1-2 in their last 11 games.
The Isles' lead in the Metro is now four points over Washington (pending the outcome of the Caps' game on Saturday night).
The Scoring:
1st Period
Carl Soderberg (18) Erik Johnson, Matt Nieto 10:19 COL 1,NYI 0
2nd Period
Erik Johnson (5) Carl Soderberg, Alexander Kerfoot 02:36 COL 2,NYI 0
Jordan Eberle (13) Anders Lee 18:13 COL 2,NYI 1
3rd Period
Josh Bailey (12) Michael Dal Colle, Adam Pelech 08:03 COL 2,NYI 2
Ryan Pulock (4) Jordan Eberle, Brock Nelson 13:57 COL 2,NYI 3 PPG
J.T. Compher (11) Carl Soderberg, Colin Wilson 17:15 COL 3,NYI 3
OT
Ryan Pulock (5) Casey Cizikas, Brock Nelson 02:23 COL 3,NYI 4
The Skinny
The Isles are 15-3-2 since Devon Toews joined the lineup and are 18-4-2 in their last 24 games; it's the first time since the 1981-82 season that the Isles have earned at least 38 points in a 24-game span … The Isles are 12 points ahead of last season's pace through 54 games; including shootout winners they have scored 23 fewer goals and allowed 65 fewer goals than last year's first 54 games… The Isles allowed the first goal for the third straight game… Ryan Pulock has six points in the last four games (2-4-6); Pulock had eight shots on goal (one shy of his career high)… Brock Nelson extended his point streak to four games with an assist in his third straight game…The Isles have 36 points at home and 34 points on the road… The Isles improved to 4-10-0 in games they tied after two periods… The Isles' penalty kill is a perfect 11-11 over the last five games… For the 20th straight game, the Isles did not allow three goals in any period. That's the longest (single-season) streak of its kind since the Isles went 21 games in January – February 1983…The Isles trailed in both intermissions after not trailing in either in any of the last 12 games; the 12 game streak was the longest of its type since 1982, when the Isles did not trail at intermission of the final 11 games of their 15-game winning streak, or the 12th game that broke the streak…The Isles improve to 5-1 in games decided in overtime; Colorado has been outscored 9-1 in the overtime session this season...Carl Soderberg had points on all three goals for Colorado; he is 3-8-11 in 13 games against the Isles…With the win, the Isles are now 16 games over #NHL-.500 for the first time since ending the 2015-16 season with a 45-27-10 record.
Big Day for Pulock
Ryan Pulock is the third defensemen in Islander history to score goals in both regulation and overtime, joining Roman Hamrlik (12/30/02 vs Florida) and Chris Campoli (11/3/08 vs Columbus).
It's the 4th time in Islander history that a defenseman has scored at least two goals and had at least eight shots on goal; Ryan also did this last March 22nd vs Tampa Bay. Denis Potvin also did it twice (11/6/76 vs Minnesota and 2/11/78 vs Detroit).
A Different Start
With Cal Clutterbuck missing the game, the Isles started a line other than Martin-Cizikas-Clutterbuck for the first time since December 31st (h/t Andrew Gross)
A Familiar Finish
The Isles are 6-3-0 when trailing in a game by a 2-0 score, defeating NYR (11/15), CBJ (12/1), DET (12/8), OTT (12/28), STL (1/5) and COL (2/9 - OT); the first five wins were all in regulation.
The Isles are 12-1-1 when scoring the game's first two goals.
Top of the Heap
The Isles are 18-4-2 in their last 24 games, giving them the most wins and the best record in the entire NHL since December 15.
• ISLES 17-4-2
• San Jose 15-5-2
• Montreal 15-7-1
• Tampa Bay 14-4-3
• Calgary 14-5-3
(does not include Saturday night games)
Strength in the Nets
Robin Lehner is 13-2-1 (1.53, .947) in his last 16 decisions. His NHL-leading GAA is 2.05 and his NHL-leading save percentage (minimum 19 games) is .930.
Thomas Greiss is 3-0-1 in the last four games, allowing a total of two goals in 130 shots (3-0-1, 0.48 GAA, .985 save percentage).
Lehner has won 17 games and Greiss 15. It's only the 2nd time in the last 15 seasons that the Isles have gotten at least 15 wins from two different goalies. Greiss won 23 games and Jaroslav Halak 18 in 2015-16.
It's Good to be Home
The Isles are 6-1-2 on Coliseum ice; they are averaging 98.1% of capacity on Long Island (including six sellouts).
Most Points Thru 54 Games (Post-Cup Era)
• 71: 2014-15
• 70: 2018-19
Most Points Thru 27 Road Games
• 36: 1976-77
• 34: 2018-19
• 33: 1978-79
• 33: 1980-81
Fewest Goals Allowed Thru 54 Games (Includes SO)
• 132 2018-19
• 132 1975-76
• 135 1977-78
• 135 2003-04
• 137 1976-77
Road Warriors
The Isles are 7-1-1 in their last nine road games and 10-2-1 in their last 13 road games. The 21 points in 13 games match the club record for a 13-game stretch (done several times, including earlier this season).
Worst to First
The Isles allowed the most goals in the NHL last season. Here's where they are this season:
Fewest Goals Allowed This Season (Including SO goals)
1. ISLES 132
2. Dallas 140
3. Boston 144
Fewest Goals Allowed This Season (excluding SO goals)
1. ISLES 127
2. Dallas 140
3. Boston 142
Last 30 Seasons: Most Goals by an Islander Before 22nd Birthday:
1. John Tavares 84
2. Anthony Beauvillier 42
Beauvillier's 22nd birthday is not until June.
Last 30 Seasons: Most Assists and Points by an Islander Before 22nd Birthday:
1. John Tavares 118 assists, 202 points
2. Mathew Barzal 95 assists, 133 points
Barzal's 22nd birthday is not until May.
Most 3+ Point Games by an Islander Before Age 22
• 34 Bryan Trottier
• 18 John Tavares
• 16 Denis Potvin
• 14 Mike Bossy
• 12 Mathew Barzal
• 12 Pat LaFontaine
Coach Trotz
Among active coaches, Barry Trotz has coached the most games and is 2nd to Ken Hitchcock in wins. Trotz' NHL record is 794-584-60-140 in 1,578 games.
Most Coaching Wins
1. Scotty Bowman 1,244
2. Joel Quenneville 890
3. Ken Hitchcock 838
4. Barry Trotz 794
5. Al Arbour 782
Most Games Coached
1. Scotty Bowman 2,141
2. Joel Quenneville 1,636
3. Al Arbour 1,607
4. Barry Trotz 1,578
5. Ken Hitchcock 1,570
Trotz will catch Al Arbour in games coached on Opening Night next season. If Quenneville doesn't return to coaching Trotz would pass him sometime in December 2019.
This Season vs. Last Season
This Season: 32-16-6 (70 points), with 158 goals scored and 132 goals allowed (includes SO winners)
Last Season: 26-22-6 (58 points), with 181 goals scored and 197 goals allowed (includes SO winners)
Last Season (final): 35-37-10 (80 points), with 264 goals scored and 296 goals allowed (includes SO winners)
First Things First
The Isles are 18-7-5 when scoring first and are 14-9-1 when allowing the opening goal (which includes a 1-0 shootout loss). The Isles won 12 games all last season (12-27-5) when allowing the opening goal.
Best Winning Percentage When Allowing First Goal
• 1981-82 17-8-5 .650
• 2018-19 14-9-1 .583
• 1978-79 15-10-6 .581
• 1977-78 16-11-5 .578
The Shots
Isles 12-14-13-2=41
Colorado 10-9-6-3=28
The Isles are 9-10-1 when they outshoot their opponents, 0-1-0 when the shots are even and 23-5-5 when they are outshot. [The club record for wins when being outshot is 25, set in 1983-84 and equaled last season.]
Home and Road
The Islanders are 32-16-6 overall; 16-7-4 at home (6-1-2 on Long Island and 10-6-2 in Brooklyn) and 16-9-2 on the road. The Isles will play 21 games in Uniondale and 20 games in Brooklyn this season.
Colorado is 22-22-10 overall; 10-10-5 at home and 12-12-5 on the road.
By Division & Conference
The Isles are 14-5-1 in Division games and 18-11-5 in games versus other divisions. The Isles are 20-8-5 against the East and 12-8-1 against the West.
In the Nets
Robin Lehner made 25 saves; he improves to 17-8-4 on the season and 4-4-0 in his career against Colorado.
Semyon Varlamov made 37 saves; he is 13-13-7 on the season and 3-3-2 against the Islanders.
Power Plays
The Isles were 1-3 on the power play in 3:18 of PP time; Colorado was 0-1 on the power play in 0:55 of PP time.
The Isles are 20-2-1 when they score at least one power play goal and 12-14-5 when they do not. The Isles are 11-10-4 when they allow at least one power play goal and 21-6-2 when they do not.
Three is a Magic Number
The Isles are 27-2-1 when they score at least three goals (including shootout winners) and are 5-14-5 when they do not.
One Goal Games
The Isles are 13-4-6 in games decided by a single goal including 5-4 in regulation. They are 5-1 in games decided in overtime and are 3-5 in shootouts. The Isles are 4-5 in games in which an empty-net goal turns a 1-goal game into a 2-goal game.
Back-to-Backs
Including today, the Isles are 6-2-1 in the front half and 8-0-0 in the back half. This back-to-back concludes on Sunday vs. Minnesota. The next back-to-back is February 20-21 in Calgary and Edmonton.-
The Isles are 8-0-0 in back-ends of back-to-backs this season, matching the club record for consecutive wins in back ends:
• 8- October 18, 2018- CURRENT
• 8- January 22-March 14, 1976
• 8- March 26- November 22, 1978 (over two seasons)
• 7- February 28- November 11, 1981 (over two seasons)
• 7- November 12, 1980 – January 3, 1981
Tired vs. Rested
• The Isles are 3-0-0 when both teams played the night before.
• The Isles are 5-0-1 when they are rested, and their opponents are not.
• The Isles are 5-0-0 when their opponents are rested, and the Isles are not.
• The Isles are 19-16-5 when both teams are rested.
Ice-time Leaders
Isles: Nick Leddy (23:08); Colorado: Erik Johnson (25:12)
Brock Nelson led Isles forwards with 19:02 of ice-time.
Isles record by ice-time leader: Ryan Pulock (16-7-4), Nick Leddy (11-8-2), Scott Mayfield (5-1-0).
Face-offs
Isles 31, Colorado 30 (50%).
Casey Cizikas won 9 of 13 for the Isles; Sheldon Dries won 5 of 8 for Colorado.
Face-offs by period: 1st period 14/26; 2nd period 6/15; 3rd period 10/18; overtime 1/2.
Face-offs by strength: Even strength: 30/58, Power play 1/2, Penalty kill 0/1.
Hit Count
Isles 29 (Matt Martin -6)
Colorado 30 (Two with 5)
Fights
There were no fights. Season total –12 (Scott Mayfield -4, Ross Johnston-3, Matt Martin -2, Josh Bailey, Johnny Boychuk, Anders Lee).
Blocked Shots
The Isles blocked 13 shots (Three with 2)
For the Corsi Crowd
All situations: Isles 65, Colorado 53
5-on-5 Isles 59, Colorado 41
5-on-5 leaders:
Isles: Adam Pelech +13
Colorado: Carl Soderberg +1
Night and Day
The Isles are 27-14-6 in night games and 5-2-0 in matinees. The next matinee is on February 10th vs. Minnesota (in Brooklyn).
Ironmen
Anders Lee 172, Brock Nelson 149, Mathew Barzal 136
Scratches
(Andrew Ladd – IR), (Thomas Hickey- IR),Cal Clutterbuck, Luca Sbisa, Ross Johnston
Total games lost: 107
Late Heroes
The Isles have scored once in the final two minutes of regulation to either tie or take the lead:
1/10- NY Rangers-Josh Bailey scored the winning goal (18:34)
Late Goals Allowed
The Isles have allowed a goal four times in the final two minutes of regulation to either tie or win a game:
10/4 – CAR Hurricanes – Jordan Staal tied game (18:25), but Isles won in overtime.
11/8 – TB Lightning – Tyler Johnson scored the winning goal (18:34)
11/23 – NJ Devils – Marcus Johansson tied game (19:49), but Isles won in overtime.
12/15- DET Red Wings – Thomas Vanek tied game (18:57), but Isles won in a shootout.
Offside Challenges
12/8 vs DET Red Wings – Red Wings goal overturned after successful Isles challenge.
12/20 vs VEG Golden Knights – Golden Knights goal overturned after successful Isles challenge.
1/8 vs CAR Hurricanes – Isles goal overturned after successful Hurricane challenge
2/5 vs BOS Bruins – Isles goal overturned after successful Bruin challenge.
All-time Islander Leader Boards:
Games Played (skaters)
1. Bryan Trottier 1123 *** 2. Denis Potvin 1060 *** 3. Bob Nystrom 900 *** 4. Clark Gillies 872 ***
5. Bob Bourne 814***6. Josh Bailey 769
Goals
1. Mike Bossy 573 *** 2. Bryan Trottier 500 *** 3. Denis Potvin 310 …
16. Mariusz Czerkawski 145 *** 17. Anders Lee 142 *** 18. Kyle Okposo 139 ***19. Josh Bailey 136…
24. Mark Parrish, Matt Moulson and Steve Thomas 118 *** 27. Ray Ferraro and Brock Nelson 116
Assists
1. Bryan Trottier 853 *** 2. Denis Potvin 742 *** 3. Mike Bossy 553…
11. Derek King 288 ***12. Josh Bailey 280 …
25. David Volek 154 *** 26. Mariusz Czerkawski 150 *** 27. Nick Leddy 146
Points
1. Bryan Trottier 1353 *** 2. Mike Bossy 1126 *** 3. Denis Potvin 1052…
12. Patrick Flatley 488 *** 13. Billy Harris 443 *** 14. Josh Bailey 416…
23. Ed Westfall 286 *** 24. Jason Blake 258 *** 25. David Volek 249 *** 26. Anders Lee 244
Games Played (Goalies)
1. Billy Smith 674 *** 2. Rick DiPietro 318 *** 3. Glenn Resch 282 …
7. Glenn Healy 176 *** 8. Thomas Greiss 147
Wins (Goalie)
1. Billy Smith 304 *** 2. Glenn Resch 157 *** 3. Rick DiPietro 130*** 4. Kelly Hrudey 108***
5. Jaroslav Halak 88 *** 6. Rollie Melanson and Thomas Greiss 77
Shutouts (Goalie)
1. Glenn Resch 25 ***2. Billy Smith 22 *** 3. Rick DiPietro 16 *** 4. Tommy Salo 14***
5. Jaroslav Halak 12 *** 6. Evgeni Nabokov 9 *** 7. Thomas Greiss 8
Season Series Stats
The Isles win the season series two games to none (and 4 points to 1).
The Isles are a perfect 4-0-0 vs. Colorado in Brooklyn, scoring 20 goals in the four games, and are 11-1-0 over the last 20 years in home games against the Avs.
On the Farm
The Sound Tigers are 26-18-4-2 on the season following a 2-1 loss to Providence on Friday night. The three-game in three-day weekend for the Sound Tigers includes home games with Providence on Saturday night and Utica on Sunday afternoon.
Leaders: Goals: Michael Dal Colle 16; Assists: Sebastian Aho 26; Points: Chris Bourque 35. Goalies: Jeremy Smith 14-9-2 (2.92 GAA); Christopher Gibson 12-9-4 (3.04 GAA)
Up Next
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10th – MINNESOTA AT ISLANDERS AT BARCLAYS CENTER 3:00PM
[MSG+(Pre-game at 2:30pm), 88.7 WRHU-FM,WRCN 103.9FM, Radio.com]
The Isles look for their ninth consecutive win in the back end of a back-to-back set as they host Minnesota Sunday afternoon in the penultimate game of the season at Barclays Center.
It's the first meeting of the season between the teams; the Wild swept both games last season and have won three straight over the Isles since a 6-3 Islander win in Brooklyn on October 26th.
The teams will meet in the Twin Cities on March 17th to complete the season series.
And Finally…
Happy Birthday to Isles Co-Owner and Alternate Governor Jon Ledecky. The Isles have won on his birthday in each of the last four seasons.
Eric Hornick has been the statistician on Islander home game telecasts since January 21, 1982. Information contained in "The Skinny" has been gathered from various sources. Follow Eric @ehornick on Twitter & on his blog www.nyiskinny.com.
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