Play-to-the-Opposition Syndrome: Inside the Islanders’ Mental Lapses

I just wrote an article on the Flames not playing for a full sixty minutes. If I just put in “Islanders” instead of “Flames,” it would be good, and I would post the blog. Seriously, if I got a dime for every time I said that, I would probably be a millionaire. I do not know if it is a coaching issue or a lack of concern for the players. For some reason, the Islanders have these mental breakdowns. The team doesn’t have each other’s backs, so when more than one player is involved, it seems that three or four players are forgetting their responsibilities.

Roy needs contingency plans for when things go wrong. If the Islanders can cut down on these mental breakdowns, they would be in first place. The main issue is that, with such good goalies, they do not have to be over the bar in terms of talent. Several good friends of mine said the Islanders are a mediocre team; it’s only because of the goaltending that they shine. I won’t go that far, because I can name a few players who fans would dearly love to keep on their roster.

I beg to differ. I watched the Islanders dismantle the Avs at home. Yet I watched the same team fall to the Flames in Calgary. How do you beat one of the best only to lose to one of the worst? May I give you an easy diagnosis of Play to the Opposition Syndrome? It’s a rather simple cure: not taking the easy road, but the hard one. No matter who you play, work hard. Thinking that one team is an easy win is courting disaster. You cannot divert from the plan. As I said in my last blog, play smart.

Is there a concern with a lack of scoring on the Islanders? The fans’ biggest concern is not a lack of scoring; it is with who is doing the scoring—or not scoring. The bottom six have to be more productive and get more involved. As for the defense, the forwards can help by cleaning up the zone coverage.

Final word

Player of the week - Anthony Duclair

It is awesome to see Anthony playing so well. I really like the idea of Anthony shooting more; he has an underrated wrist shot. He is playing very well; he can be a great asset. 

Three Goalies, One Roster: Toronto’s Tough Decision

In my last Leafs blog, I posed the question of what I would do if I were GM when Stolarz returns. I asked the question, but I chickened out of answering it, so I thought I would address it today. What solution do we have for the three goalies? Everyone I have met hates the three-headed monster. I like all three goalies; they're all NHL-quality.

Dennis Hildeby

Dennis has done everything he was asked to do. He is so cool under pressure, and he keeps his composure. He had an excellent glove hand; he has been outstanding. He has proven worthy of being called an NHL goalie.

Joesph Woll

An agile goalie who overcame a lot this season to get back to the NHL. This speaks volumes to his character and stamina. He has been great at times, holding the Leafs in games. His reflexes are among the best in the league. He will rebound from his last start.

Anthony Stolarz

Anthony's greatest weakness is not his fault. I speak of his health. There is no doubt that Anthony was outstanding, posting the league's best save percentage at times last year. Most people have argued that the Leafs would have won the series if he had not been injured in the Panthers series. He has been the number one in the past, and I am confident he could be again.

The stats between Woll and Hildeby are crazy close. Both goalies have a 2.90 average. Hildeby has a save percentage of .912, and Woll has a .910 save percentage. Goaltending has not been a problem. Then there is Stolarz, who was the man last season.

So, who stays or goes?

As I see it, there are three options

First, we could trade Anthony and collect more assets. No doubt the Maple Leafs could get a solid defender or a top-six forward in return. Anthony is still considered a quality starter.

Secondly, we could go with the three-headed monster. The Leafs could keep all three on the roster. If the Leafs use this selection, it is a headache; it rarely works. You cannot keep all three happy. Sooner or later, one of them will ask for a trade.

Third is sending Hildeby down, since he does not have to clear waivers. The third choice is the easiest. I do not like this option, but it will most likely be the Leafs' choice.

I just do not think that Anthony gets traded. Trading him is too much of a gamble. We need a veteran goalie going down the stretch.

Final word

The Leafs have a problem that 31 other teams would love to have. I love having insurance in case one goes down. They need to have solid goaltending down the stretch.

Randy 

Don’t Play Stupid: Smart Hockey Beats Cheap Shots Every Time

The New York Islanders have one of the more emotional fan bases. The greatest advice from the Isles fans is “don’t play stupid.” Sounds like some pretty sound advice

Do not be stupid enough to take late minors

When you’re trying to get that tying goal, let’s try not to cause bodily harm to opposing players. When you trip, gouge, punch, hook, or high stick, you put the team down by a man. It is simple math. When you’re behind, it’s not good to be short-handed. Do not play stupid; play to win. Work harder. Take that extra stride to catch a player rather than hooking or tripping. This will go a long way to winning the game instead of losing them.

Do not play stupid. Serokin should not have to face over 40 shots

Try to cover your mistakes. Leaving Serokin out to dry can be hazardous to your health. The Isles have one of the best records in the NHL. Think about how good this team would be without the mental breakdowns in our zone. If we can be responsible on defense, the Isles can finish second in the Metro. (If I said that before the season started, even I would have considered myself a candidate for the funny farm.)

Don’t be stupid. Find a meathead to keep the opposition in check

The one thing the Isles lack is defense. There is only one David and Goliath. We only need one example. It doesn’t even have to be an enforcer, just some player with a beef who is willing to defend Schaefer. Our goal is to keep Schaefer from becoming ground beef.

Final word

The Isles are one of the biggest surprises this season. They are winning because they are playing as a team, showing that they believe in each other. Every team needs to improve. They can’t afford to stand still. The Isles just need to clean up their game. 

Randy

Speed, Grit, and Clutch Plays — Why the Leafs Are Trending Up

We are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The Maple Leafs are putting in an effort. They have finally learned to play a full 60 minutes. Or is it simply that Auston Matthews has arrived?

The Arrival of Center Auston Matthews

Matthews has been on a tear of late. What I love about his play is his willingness to chase the puck. As reflected in his points, his shooting is not quite there yet, but it is showing signs of improvement. He is also showing that he is the captain. I love the emotion. I wonder whether he is getting healthier or adjusting better to playing through the pain. Matthews is a complete player. His competitive level has been rising. That third goal in Colorado was insane. That shot was labeled.

Matias Maccelli

Matias is showing signs of finding his niche. Sometimes it takes players time to fit into a system. When Matias uses his speed, he is a dangerous player. He can cause havoc with the defense. They start panicking, try to keep covering him and leaving his line mates uncovered. His overall play is improving; he is developing into a solid top-six forward. He has accepted his role and is running with it.

Scotty Freaking Laughton

Is there a more clutch player than Scott? He is there on every occasion. He is our best penalty killer. He is the biggest reason for the improvement in penalty killing. What makes Scott so valuable is his influence in the dressing room. His never-go-down attitude can be catching.

Final Word

At the time I wrote this blog, the Leafs were entering a hard road trip. The team responded with the game of the year in Denver. The power play looked dangerous. What was really impressive was the fact that they skated with the Avs. The Leafs are going to need to keep playing like this and stay on their guard. They need to execute on their scoring chances. Two noticeable improvements are the power play and goaltending.

Since Steve Sullivan joined the coaching staff, the Maple Leafs' power play has exploded. They play with a mission. Their best quality is their ability to pass the puck around more quickly. They actually know what they are doing.

Goaltending of Hildeby and Woll has been admirable in Stolarz's absence. I would be remiss if I did not mention Woll's play last night. The young goalie was amazing. Stellar is close to coming to the Leafs; they will have a three-headed monster in goal. Will the Hildeabeast be sent down? Or will they go a different route, keeping all three, or is another trade coming?

Randy

Pulford’s Playbook: Coaching, Trading, and Building Champions

Bob Pulford was part of the Maple Leafs team that won the Stanley Cups in the 1960s. Bob was known for being a no-nonsense forward who did his job. He would be the one going in the corners and taking no prisoners. He was the character who would put life into a bench by throwing hits or making a good defensive play, saving a goal.

Part of a dynasty

Pully won 4 Stanley Cups in the 1960s with the Toronto Maple Leafs. One of Bob’s greatest career moments was scoring a triple-overtime goal in game three, giving the Toronto Maple Leafs a victory over the Montréal Canadiens. Bob was known as a leader in the dressing room.

Bob Pulford had four 20-goal seasons with the Leafs. His best year was 1965-66, when he scored 28. Bob was known as a highly skilled third-line center. He was not the typical third-line centre; he was used in every situation.

Bob Pulford spent five years as a head coach for the LA Kings. He was a very good coach who won the Jack Adams Trophy (Coach of the Year). He then served with the Chicago Blackhawks organization from 1977 to 2007 as Head Coach, General Manager, and Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations. He was one of the smartest hockey minds; he saved this franchise and turned them into a contender.

Pully’s best trade  

One of Pully’s biggest trades really took some cojones: trading fan favourite Denis Savard, the number one centre, for the number one defenceman, Chris Chelios, and a second-round pick in the 1991 draft. It almost caused riots in the windy city. But Chris was one of the best dmen for years to come. The argument over whether to build a team around a number 1 centre or a number 1 dman is highly contentious, as I discussed in this article:

https://flamestr.blogspot.com/2025/11/centre-vs-defenceman-how-general.html

Bob was eternally known for turning deals into gems; he always found the missing piece to make his team better. Bob was well known for his good eye at the NHL draft table. He knew talent when he saw it.

Bob Pulford was an excellent man on the ice and off the ice. He was loved and will be eternally missed.

Randy

Mr. Goalie: Remembering Glenn Hall

 

The hockey world has lost a legend. Glenn Hall was a gentleman, and we truly miss him. I was a huge fan of Mr. Goalie. It was a true honour to watch Glenn play. Here is an interesting fact: Glenn never wore a goalie mask during his entire career.

I will always remember Glenn Hall as the Calgary Flames’ goalie coach during the 1988-1989 season. The work he did for Mike Vernon was flawless. I think Glenn played a huge role in Mike’s progress as a goalie.

His Knowledge

Glenn Hall’s nickname—Mr. Goalie—says a lot about his character. He was the authority on goaltending. His word was the final word on goaltending. He was one of the smartest hockey minds out there.

His Personality

Glenn was known as one of the kindest gentlemen ever. He was always willing to make time for everyone. Glenn was the kind of person you wanted to be associated with. He was so personable.

The Trade

One of the worst trades in Hawks history sent Glenn Hall and Ted Lindsey to the Detroit Red Wings. The Hawks received Hank Bassen, Johnny Wilson, Roy Preston, and cash. It was because of Lindsay’s role in forming the union. Glenn Hall went along for the ride to make sure Lindsay’s trade went through.

His Awards

In 1951, Hall won the Calder Memorial Trophy, commonly known as the Rookie of the Year. Glenn Hall was awarded the Vezina Trophy in the 62-63 and 66-67 seasons. He also won the Most Valuable Player award in the playoffs, commonly known as the Conn Smythe Trophy. This trophy is especially remarkable because the player on the losing team rarely receives it in the playoffs.  

Glenn Hall was on the Chicago Blackhawks for the 1961 season. It was said that Glenn was a key factor in the Chicago’s successful Stanley Cup run.