Shutout Saturday at the Coliseum

The New York Islanders took on the Los Angeles Kings this past Saturday at the Nassau Coliseum and defeated them 3-0.  Goaltender Al Montoya #35 made 35 saves, this was his first start as a New York Islander, and first NHL career shutout.  Forward Frans Nielsen #51 is the first player in the NHL to score five shorthanded goals in the 2010-2011 season as he dominated the penalty killing to put the Isles on the board. This was followed with forward Matt Moulson #26 scoring the remaining two goals against his brother-in-law, Kings goalie Jonathan Quick.  The New York Islanders hosted the Florida Panthers today and won 5-1.

Sound Tigers Go Pink

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers took on the Norfolk Admirals for the second time in one weekend on Jaunary 15th.  This time, on pink ice.  The Admirals participate in an annual "Pink in the Rink" event where the ice is dyed pink to bring awareness to breast cancer and to help raise money for the Tidewater branch of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Some players on both teams even taped their sticks pink for the occasion.

You'll note the fourth photo, Dustin Tokarski is the Admirals goalie. No relation (that I know of.)  But I couldn't help but get a shot of the name.  Bridgeport's goalie, Joel Martin, who recently signed to a two-way contract and was assigned to Bridgeport, had 48 saves that night in his first start as a Sound Tiger, thats a season high for the team.  The Sound Tigers lost that evening 3-2 despite Martin's saves.

On Saturday, Ty Wishart (in photographs two and five) made his NHL debut with the New York Islanders against the Ottawa Senators.  Wishart had a two-assist night, and Islanders Head Coach Jack Capuano said, "For the speedy bunch of forwards that he had tonight I thought he played really well.  He was composed, he moved the puck, and he kept it simple.  He was pretty impressive to tonight."  The Isles went on to win 5-3.

In other Bridgeport/Islander news, goalie Mikko Koskinen (photo nine) was recalled from Bridgeport on February 5th.

Ty Wishart

Goalies Mikko Koskinen and Joel Martin.

Between the 2nd and 3rd period a jersey issue calls for the sewing machine to be brought out as the equipment manager goes to work.

Bridgeport V. Norfolk - Game 1

On Friday, January 14th, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers took on the Norfolk Admirals at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.  The Admirals first goal was just 3:03 into the game.  But just before the first period ended, the Sound Tigers tied up the game with a goal from number 25, Brett Motherwell. 

During a second period power play, the Admirals took the lead to make it 2-1.  But Michael Haley, 18, tied up the game.  That was short lived though, as the Admirals responded with another goal during their man-advantage to make it 3-2.  At the end of the second period a few punches were thrown as players were getting ready to head to the locker rooms.

Just 5 minutes into the third period the Admirals made it 4-2, and with 2:19 left in the game the Admirals stuck again to end the game at 5-2.  Goalie Mikko Koskinen, made 30 saves that night.

(Assistant Coach Matt Bertani)

Hockey in Virginia

This weekend I am out shooting the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.  Here are some screen shots from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers website where my photos are used from last nights game. The Sound Tigers are taking on the Norfolk Admirals, in Norfolk, Virginia at the Scope Arena.  (The Admirals are the Tampa Bay Lightening NHL affiliate.)  Last nights game the Sound Tigers were defeated by the Admirals 5-2.  Tonight the match up beings at 7:15pm and will be played on pink ice.  The Admirals participate in an annual "Pink in the Rink" event where the ice is dyed pink to bring awareness to breast cancer and to help raise money for the Tidewater branch of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The second screen shot is about the recently signed  forward Olivier Labelle and defenseman Wes O'Neill to professional tryout contracts (PTO).  This is O'Neill's second PTO with the team. 

The third screen shot is for a preview on Saturday nights game.

Check back for more photos from each individual game. Have a great weekend everyone. Go Steelers!

Islanders goaltender Kevin Poulin and forward Jeremy Colliton

These photos are from my trip to Bridgeport, CT in November.  I decided now is a great time to post these because the goalie featured, 20 year old Kevin Poulin, was recently called up to the New York Islanders.  Poulin made his NHL debut Friday, January 7th, to relieve goaltender Nathan Lawson, when the Isles took on the Edmonton Oilers but then lost 2-1.  There he made 19 saves.  Poulins first NHL win was earned against the Colorado Avalanche in Colorado, the very next day.  The Islanders left with a 4-3 win in overtime.  Poulin had 34 saves.
The photos also feature forward Jeremy Colliton (wearing the A in the Sound Tiger jersey), in November he was signed to a one year, two-way NHL/AHL contract.  His rookie season was in 2005-06 where he played 19 games with the Islanders.  Recently, he was called up again on Friday, January 7th to replace Frans Nielsen who was questionable because of a groin injury.  Colliton scored two goals during the Avalanche game on Saturday to assist with their win.

In the game below, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers won against the Portland Pirates 3-0.  Also, please note one of the best fans I have ever seen below.  This kid was screaming for "Storm" the Sound Tigers mascot at the top of his lungs.