Pre-Game NY Islanders VS. Florida Panthers

Jane Fisher on Sat, 2013-03-16 10:55

The Islanders are at 500 and would love to win their game tonight against The Panthers. I hope they don't lay back, playing the last place team in the conference. Remember boys, you still need to play the game for a full 60 minutes.

When this Isles teams earns an early lead, they tend to get lazy; sloppy play and too many turnovers. Remember, Nabokov is not the only player on the team. He won't always be able to save you.

As this abbreviated season moves on, The Islanders know just how important every point is if they intend to make it to the post season. We, as fans need to see that desire and urgency, something the Isles don't always provide.

The Florida Panthers, with a depleted defense due to injuries, are hoping for the return of Captain Ed Jovanovsky. Not sure if that will happen tonight, there are conflicting reports on him. The Panthers did aquire D J.T. Brennan from the Sabres in return for Florida's fifth round pick in the 2013 draft. (photo:Lets_Go_Pens/Flickr)

The Panthers are also missing Scottie Upshall and Kris Verteeg up front. The team has recalled F Jonathan Rheault for the second time this season.

The Islanders are having their share of D injuries as well. Brian Strait (ankle) and Matt Carkner(groin). At the moment Lubomir Visnovsky is here, and playing well. However, he has some personal issues that pull him out of the line up occasionally.

The Islanders most notable and costly F injury is Michael Grabner(shoulder). He may not always finish those breakaways, but you can't deny his talent on the PK. (Photo:bridgetds/flickr)

David Ullstrom was called back up, and unfortunately sustained a groin injury Saturday in Tampa Bay. Groin injuries seem to be very popular on this Isles team, we should try to figure out why that is. Bye we, I actually mean the trainers.

Team Comparisons:

Record:

Isles- 12-12-3, 7-4-1 on the road

Panthers- 7-15-3, 4-7-5 at home

PP Isles- 23.8% (24/101) Panthers- 16.0% (16/100)

PK Isles- 80.6% (75/83) Panthers- 73.3% (66/90)

GF Isles- 79 Panthers- 67

GA Isles- 88 Panthers- 108

Islanders are fourth in the Atlantic Division

Panthers are fifth in the Southeast Division

Every point is precious so, as always my friends;

Let's Go Islanders!!!!