April 15, 2011, New York Islanders 2010-11 NHL season wrap up for Metro NYC Newspaper
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John Tavares led the Islanders with 67 points this season.
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Simply it was a moment that summarized the 2010-11 New York Islanders: Loose defiance.
P.A. Parenteau was asked a few minutes after Friday night’s 4-3 shootout loss to Pittsburgh if that game encapsulated the season. The Islanders rallied back from 2-0 and 3-2 deficits, only to lose on Chris Kuntiz’s third-round shootout winner.
Parenteau smirked, and then laughed, as fourth-line center Zenon Konopka chided, “That we fell short? What are you trying to say, there?”
After a moment, Parenteau acknowledged that the loss to the Penguins, “kind of reflects the way we played all year. We came up short a few times. It’s unfortunate. We kind of want to play the spoiler role to the end.”
While finished the 2010-11 campaign with a 30-39-13 record, the home finale did not feel like a conclusion. Rather, the sentiment was one of an extended break for a team that gained respect from various corners of the NHL in the second half of the season.
Pittsburgh goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, Boston coach Claude Julien and Carolina coach Paul Maurice were but a few who pointed towards the Islanders as a franchise on the rise. The trio noted that the Islanders led the NHL with 586 man games lost to injury, yet played hard every night.
“There are a lot of good things for this team coming up,” Parenteau said. If we can stay healthy next, especially on the back end, I think we’ll have a really good team and surprise a lot of people. We’re going to be ready for next year.”
They should be. The Islanders finished the season with five 20-goal scorers, may have Selke Trophy and Calder Trophy candidates in Frans Nielsen and Michael Grabner, and have promising talent in the pipeline, not to mention a permanent head coach in Jack Capuano, who posted a 26-29-10 record.
Help, please
The Islanders will have $27.5 million in cap room this summer. Here are their priorities:
1 Signing John Tavares to a long-term extension is vital. The former No. 1 pick is and will continue to be the leader of a revitalized unit.
2 Adding to the young core is also necessary. Defensemen Shea Weber (Nashville) and Drew Doughty (Los Angeles) are restricted free agents.
3 It would certainly signal an intent to be competitive should the franchise pay — or even perhaps overpay — for free agents Zach Parise (New Jersey) and Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay).
http://www.metro.us/newyork/sports/article/832187--improved-islanders-expect-to-be-in-12-postseason
posted by Denis P. Gorman at 12:36 PM
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