Devils Top Isles in OT 2-1
Garth Snow’s offseason decisions just got a little tougher.
Islander’s goalie Joey McDonald put on an exemplary performance last night, turning aside 45 shots in a 2-1 OT loss to the New Jersey Devils. Though he had a lineup dominated by AHL stalwarts in front of him, McDonald battled hard and kept a formidable Devils team (who actually still has something to play for) from dominating the contest. The Devils could only force one PP goal by Patrick Elias past him in regulation time until Zach Parise tallied in the extra frame. Josef Vasicek scored for the Islanders.
McDonald’s play will likely cause Snow more than a few sleepless nights regarding what do with the backup goaltender position. McDonald is already signed for next season to a one way contract, which means that he cannot be sent to the minors without having to clear waivers on his way back to the big club. There is a decent chance that he could be snapped up by some other team en route. Therefore, the question becomes: What to do with Wade Dubielewicz? The diminutive goaltender is not a only a big fan favorite, but he has certainly earned the right to merit strong consideration for the job himself. Unless Dubielewicz, an unrestricted free agent as of July 1, accepts a two way contract and somehow is satisfied with a minor league role, he is going to probably be the odd man out in the situation.
Up next are the hated rival New York Rangers, who the Islanders will play in a home and home series to close out the season. Coach Ted Nolan has not allowed this team to succumb to the litany of legitimate excuses they have to explain away this lost season and he won’t start now. Expect them to fight the Blueshirts tooth and nail in these games. However, this notion places some serious conflict in the minds of Islanders fans. Though they always want to beat the Rangers in any circumstance, they also recognize that losing these two games might result in a better draft position which would enable their club to get better.
It’s certainly not an enviable place to be in.
Author Bio
Frank has been a fan of the New York Islanders since seeing his first hockey game way back in 1977.
He reveled in the success of the Dynasty years and endured the time the team has spent in the basement of the league.
He also covers the Isles and New York Jets for www.sportstalkbuzz.com and writes a regular fantasy hockey column for www.rotoexperts.com.
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