Suffolk’s Ross Johnston was named the third star in the opening game of the Eastern Conference semifinal as the New York Islanders blanked the Philadelphia Flyers 4-0 Monday.
Johnston was inserted onto the third line with Leo Komarov and Jean-Gabriel Pageau. His heavy forechecking behind the Flyers’ net allowed Komarov to grab the loose puck and slip it to Pageau, who made it 2-0 and gave New York the breathing room as they smothered the Flyers the rest of the way.
Johnston was very noticeable in the game, playing 11 minutes and being credited for 10 hits. The Islanders lost Game 2 4-3 in overtime but Johnston, and his line, played very well throughout, a sign he has a future in New York.
Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello and head coach Barry Trotz must be chuckling behind closed doors. Toronto president Brendan Shanahan moved Komarov out of Toronto in favour of the youthful, analytical style Kyle Dubas, suggesting the game had passed Komarov by.
At the trade deadline, some hockey experts bad-mouthed Lamoriello for trading a first- and second-round picks for Pageau, who is one of the better two-way centres in the game. Pageau has six goals in 11 playoff games and leads the playoffs in plus-minus with a plus-10, which fits nicely in the defence-first style of play advocated by Trotz.
Lamoriello’s other deadline addition, Andy Greene, scored the winner in Game 1 and blocked numerous shots – a smart pickup and replacement for injured Johnny Boychuck. Trotz must have enjoyed shaking hands with Washington players and coaches after the underdog Islanders sidelined Washington in five games in the opening round. It was Washington management who virtually forced Trotz out of town two years ago, another victim of the new analytical thrust in all major sports.
I don’t know if any computer program would have inserted Johnston into the Islanders’ line-up, but it’s becoming clear to Lamoriello and Trotz, that the six-foot-five Johnston is becoming a very useful part of the Islanders’ efforts to give Lamoriello his fourth Stanley Cup.
Keep up the great work, Ross.
Baseball
I’m a fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, and it’s unfortunate to see talented shortstop Bo Bichette on the sidelines along with pitchers Matt Shoemaker, Nate Pearson and Trent Thornton.
Despite the injuries, the Jays are still hovering around .500 and are a playoff-bound club, especially if Bichette gets back. The Jays relief pitching has been outstanding. Jordan Romano is untouchable, while Thomas Hatch, Anthony Kay, Anthony Bass, Julian Merryweather and Ryan Borucki have impressed.
Star reliever Ken Giles is almost ready to return, but they need a starting pitcher right now. Adding designated hitter (DH) Dan Vogelbach was a head-scratcher unless they plan on making him part of a package along with one of their relievers for a starting pitcher. If a deal cannot be made, the trade makes no sense since slugging first baseman Rowdy Tellez needs more playing time with six home runs in limited plate appearances. Vogelbach had 30 home runs last year with Seattle and like Tellez is a left-handed hitter who can play first base or DH. Right now, Vladimir Guerrero holds one of those spots, and crowding at that corner makes a trade a certainty.
Golf
Charlottetown’s Jeff Ready toured the front nine at the Belvedere golf course last week in a sizzling 29, which is almost unbelievable. His dad, Kip, was a terrific athlete in baseball, hockey, curling and golf and, make no mistake, Jeff is, too. I do not know if anyone ever shot a 29 in the front nine at Belvedere, Maybe some readers can help on this one.
And how about birthday boy Forbes Kennedy, (79 again), who had an eagle at Mill River during the Boys and Girls Club of Summerside annual tournament. A 3-wood from 170 yards out snaked into the cup, which means we’ll be hearing about this at Ken Arsenault’s barn for the remainder of the year.
Harness racing
The Guardian Gold Cup and Saucer was certainly a thriller with Arsenault’s Lisburn and David Dowling’s Woodmere Ideal Art chasing home Marc Campbell and Time to Dance in a very exciting finish.
The folks at Red Shores did a great job in following safe distancing regulations while putting on a great show. One of the more interesting announcements came at the premier’s breakfast where Premier Dennis King revealed that government will support an annual two per cent increase to the purse pool, which is great news with the yearling sale just around the corner in October. This is a relief for breeders and buyers.
The North America Cup goes tonight at Mohawk and Dr. Ian Moore’s Tattoo Artist (Bob MacLure) leaves from Post 7 and Denali Seelster (Trevor Henry) leaves from Post 6. Jody Jamieson has Captain Kirk from Post 3, James MacDonald handles Captain Barbossa from Post 9 while Tall Dark Stranger (Yannick Gingras) goes from Post 4.
Fred MacDonald's column appears every Saturday in The Guardian. He can be reached at [email protected].
