Isles unable to contain the Bruins in the third in 6-3 loss

Start of the Islanders/Bruins game at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Photo by: Stacy Podelski

The New York Islanders (33-34-11) had their three-game winning streak snapped by the Boston Bruins (46-28-4) in the 6-3 loss to the reigning Stanley Cup Champions on Saturday afternoon. New York kept it close for most of the game, but was unable to contain the offensive firepower of the Bruins in the third period.

Boston exploded for four goals in that frame, who clinched an Eastern Conference playoff spot on Friday, will look to capture the Northeast title with four games remaining. The Bruins still look like the team to beat in the NHL playoffs-as the team is deep and talented.

“I think they exposed us in the third period,” said Islanders head coach Jack Capuano after the loss. “I think the past couple of games we played pretty well, we held them under 30 shots and gave ourselves a chance against a team that can throw four lines at you.”

Capuano continued to say, “They do a lot of things really well, our power play could have been the difference tonight, but you have to give them credit they are the reigning champs for a reason.”

New York battled twice to tie the game, and even made things close in the third period-but in the end it was the offensive power of the Bruins that won the game. Helping to lead the Bruins to the win, was center David Krejci, who had two goals and was name third star of the game thanks to his efforts.

Helping to keep the Isles in the game was winger P.A. Parenteau (17), who recorded his third career two goal game. Also finding the back of the cage was red-hot Kyle Okposo (21) who extended his scoring streak to five games (6g/1a). With the helper on Okposo’s goal in the first period, Islanders center Frans Nielsen now has 10 points (4g/6a) in the last seven games.

“I think we had a good 40 minutes and I think we got away from playing them outside,” said Parenteau on what allowed Boston to regain the momentum in the third period. “They are a really deep hockey team offensively and they make some nice plays.”

The Isles played a very tight game defensively, blocking 16 shots, while hitting the Bruins 19 times in the game. Young center Michael Haley gave the day a bit of a spark, by exchanging blows with Greg Campbell.

“There were way too many turnovers (16) against a very good hockey team,” said Capuano. “They counted every time we turned the puck over.”

On what he liked about the game, Capuano had this to say, “I thought the Pandolfo lined played pretty well, the Tavares line didn’t get going until midway in the game. I think our young guys are getting better with every game. I used Haley on the penalty kill today, and he played pretty well for us.”

New York will have fan appreciation day on Sunday April 1, as the team plays host to the Ottawa Senators. Giving back to the fans of Long Island is goaltender Rick DiPietro, who will treat the first 5,000 fans to the game to lunch.

“It is not that cheap to get a hot dog and a drink at a game anymore,” DiPietro was quoted as saying on the New York Islanders website. “I thought I’d try to make the game a little more enjoyable.”

Fans who are looking to collect the ticket vouchers can do so at gates one, five 16 and the box office. DiPietro will be on hand to distribute vouchers and interact with members of Islanders-nation as a part of Fan Appreciation Day.

The Isles/Senators game is set to air on the MSG Plus network, with face-off scheduled for 3:00 p.m.

Paying it forward: Prior to the Saturday matinee game against the Bruins, New York Islanders forwards Matt Moulson, Kyle Okposo and Michael Grabner, made a big contribution to the Islanders Children’s Foundation, as the trio made special contributions based on their goal-scoring totals.

Before the season started, Okposo and Grabner decide that for every goal scored, that they would each contribute $300 to the ICF, which stands at $22,200 with a few games left remaining in the season.

“I had seen Matt Moulson and some of the guys do it last year, and it seemed to have a real positive impact at the games, especially when people stood up and cheered the announcements,” Okposo said. “I thought it was time I did a little something more right here on Long Island. The ICF is a great charity and does a ton of great work, so hopefully we can finish up the year strong and help them out a bit and we’ll do it again next year.”

This season was Moulson’s second where he donated dollars-per-goals though this time he added an element in bringing along his brother-in-law Jonathan Quick, who is the cager for the Los Angeles Kings into the mix.

Moulson and Quick created the 326 Foundation, which helps children on both coasts and with the combined goals and victories for the duo will allow the ICF to have an additional $17,000, while the Kings Care (the Los Angeles equivalent of the ICF) receives the other half of the donations.

“I’m glad we decided to start this donation program last season,” Moulson said. “And now teaming up with Jonathan, it is good because we help kids here on Long Island with the ICF and out in LA with Kings Care. I’m just lucky to play with talented guys like Johnny, PA and Kyle to get all of those goals.”

Written on March 31, 2012, also seen on the Examiner.com site seen below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/isles-unable-to-contain-the-bruins-the-third-6-3-loss

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