Orange Crush(ed)

The New York Islanders season has taken a dive.

Last night it proved just that. The Flyers extended their dominance over the New York Islanders to 5-0 on the season and 15-0 in their last (obvious) 15 games against each other.

As many of the Islanders faithful had hopes of a playoff appearance, now the feelings have changed. The tides have turned and it seems more appropriate for this Islanders team to obtain yet another very high draft choice in the first round which could lead to one of Tyler Seguin or Cam Fowler.

Where to begin?

The Islanders opened up a two goal lead on the Flyers last night with goals by John Tavares at 7:06 of the first period and Kyle Okposo at 10:27 of the second period. However, the Islanders got into some disciplinary trouble and that was all Philly would need to spark the comeback which eventually led to Simon Gagne‘s game winning Power Play goal at 13:54 of the third period.

Claude Giroux tied the game in the third prior to Gagne netting the eventual winner.

Dwayne Roloson stood tall for the Islanders, stopping 32 of 35 in the loss.

The only word to describe last nights contest is “frustrating”.

Trevor Gillies, who was recently recalled by the Islanders for the contest, did not do much of anything positive last night. A supposed enforcer, there was nothing in sight of Gillies dropping the gloves. Instead, he took a very costly trip to the penalty box on a boarding call which led to the Gagne game winner.

The boarding call against Mark Streit earlier in the same period led to Giroux’s power play goal which tied things up at two.

Undisciplined penalites cost the Islanders two points last night. But, again, this is something that we must take as a positive.

The further the Isles fall in the standings the better their chances at obtaining a top five draft pick in the upcoming 2010 NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles. Currently, they are in store for a lottery pick which could lead to the Islanders being awarded the 1st overall pick.

It will be interesting to see how the Islanders fair the rest of the season.

Up next for the New York Islanders are the St. Louis Blues who are attempting a deja vu of sorts of last season. Six points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference with 17 games remaining. The Blues will come out with one mission – two points.

The Islanders still have a lot to prove with the rest of the season. Further development from the young players as well as the team attempting to play spoiler to whoever they face the rest of the way.

Quick hits:
R.I.P. Corey Haim