TV: MSG PLUS (HD) RADIO: WFAN 660 AM
Last 10 Games: New York 4-3-3; New Jersey 4-5-1
Know Your Enemy: Islanders Hockey Blog
What we think of the Islanders:
What can we say about the Islanders? We’re in the same spot as they are this season, on the outside looking in, its just that they are used to being in the position. The Islanders are a weird team for me because every year I wait for them to surprise us and put together a decent season, yet that never seems to come. They have some young talent and have had some injuries this season to that talent which hasn’t helped them. What would a healthy year bring the team? They’ve had an awful year between the pipes and looks like they are taking steps in the right direction giving Montoya another year in his contract.
Season Series: New Jersey leads the season series 3-2. This is the final time these two teams will meet this season.
Last Meeting: March 12, 2011 – Devils won 3-2 in OT
Tonight’s Game: Was initially thought that #9 Zach Parise might be making his return from knee surgery. A lot of people have questioned why Lou is “pushing” Parise to return this season given the Devils hopes at the playoffs are pretty much gone. The answer for me is that the Devils need to see how Zach is doing after his surgery. It’s time to throw big money at him but this injury and surgery isn’t the most routine. For example, Pavel Bure had the same injury (different knee yes), same surgery Parise had but wasn’t ever really able to return to the ice in the form that everyone knew him. If you are NJ, you want Parise out there just so you can gauge his recovery and figure out how much to throw at him this summer. Anyway, Parise said he needs another practice or two before getting out there so the hopes of seeing him tonight are none and none as Parise has announced his target return is now Saturday vs Montreal.
As for tonight’s game, go out, play hard and finish these last 7 games on a high note. The Devils had an amazing run after the break but have fallen to earth a bit lately, goin 4-5-1 in their last 10. Finish strong and if possible, play spoiler to the Rangers hopes in a few weeks.
Playoff Race: Here is all you need to know. Devils currently in 12th with 73 points, Buffalo in 8th with 85 points. NJ has the possibility of finishing the season with 87 points. You can see how improbable a post season birth is at this point.
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